HashFast's behavior has been completely unacceptable by any measure. The fact that they seem to be getting away with it irks me to no end.

The bottom line is that money is power.
A pre-order is you giving that power to a counterparty based on trust, promises and a sales contract.
The counterparty can decide to default on their contract/promises and proceed to use that power against you.
HF has been doing exactly that by hiring Strategic Counsel Corp. and Zuber Lawler & Del Duca.