<< If that is the case, then why is every single store carrying this game in the four states I have seen it (KS, MO, IL, OH) selling it for 54.99? >>
Because they know folks are willing to pay more than MSRP for this one. I don't really object to overpricing, you don't have to buy from them. What I do object to is the outright lying all these stores have been doing with the MSRP of this title.
Someone who was involved with the game came out (VoodooExtreme?) and announced the MSRP was officially $49, not $59 EBgames was overcharging.