Ordering Older Models?

So here's a new question... has anybody gotten on the phone with a AW salesperson and tried to get an older model, aka something not a part of the new product launch? To be honest, I like the styling better of the M17xR4 and M18xR2 better (not to mention the vastly better customization options), and I'm going to guess that all their previous inventory did not beam back up to the mothership once the 14, 17 and 18 were rolled out. Logic says that Alienware probably has a good many of the previous-gen systems nestled in their warehouses, just looking for good homes at a steep discount...

So, has anybody gotten on the horn and tried to get one? What happened? Enlighten us. Knowledge is power.