Boutiques vs AD's

[OneOwner]

I've read several posts on the discouraging wait lists at AD's. And warnings that unless you are a preferred customer and want something like a sub your not even going to get on the list.

So my question is, are boutique stores any different than your typical privately owned AD. Or do you still have to play the preferred customer game and compete with buyers that just want to flip a watch on the grey market.

New member here btw. I joined having this plan that if a new model of sub was released in the future I could rush down to an AD or boutique and get on a wait list. My preferred fantasy being that they might bring back the milsub design one day.

After reading threads on AD's I'm thinking I'd be sol. Hoping boutiques are a different business model for wait lists.