Not to be a dick (okay, maybe to be a dick
), but really what did you expect? I can't fault the scalpers one bit, it's a high demand item and people are willing to work to attain one. Some more than others. People are investing their time to turn a profit, that's capitalism for ya. I'm surprised that retailers aren't jacking up the price themselves, why sell an item for less than the market will support in the first place?
I'm sorry that you didn't get a system, and I'm sorry to burst your bubble but you don't deserve a PS3 more than the guys in front of you just because you're a "true gamer" and your heart is pure. You should have gotten there sooner.