I think JBL should make all their speakers available in the U.S., probably via mail order. Not having a middle man would certainly help keep the consumer price down. Auditions would only be offered at JBL HQ or similar, or still let dealers stock them if people wanted closer audition options. Of course, then you'd have to consider some kind of middleman compensation.
If JBL wanted to have a return policy when buying direct without listening, I think a restocking charge of at least 30% would keep the "tire kickers" at bay.
At the minimum, though, I think JBL should look at the possibilities of a mail order channel, at least for those in the U.S. interested.
John