Is the Wii Shortage Manufactured?

I had some great conversations today with many of the Des Moines bloganostra about the Wii, my ordeal in obtaining one, and how exciting it is to play.  Most that I chatted with believe the shortage to be by design, to prop up the mystique of the brand, etc.

Here's some insight from the Wall Street Journal on this topic.  It may have to do with cultural and business values of "not over extending" and "focusing on cash flow and keeping inventories down".  How odd to hear talk of intentional restraint in business.  What would U.S. shareholders say about such blasphemy?