OP here (update)...
Unfortunately, this dealer has changed its mind now, and when I went back to visit today to make an official order, there's now a $5,000 mandatory markup over MSRP for each new truck ordered, and it is non-negotiable.
Why is this happening... Too many Liberals in California have expired leases, so they need to get into a new vehicle fast, regardless of the higher price or markup. More Liberals are likely to lease instead of purchase, so faster inventory turnover rate. So, the extra $5,000 markup won't affect the monthly lease price that much, vs. purchase that requires a full sales tax upfront. With lease transactions, you don't need to pay the full sales tax upfront, so purchasing power is actually higher and easier for the (smart) Liberals. So, dealers decide to raise up prices after seeing this same pattern multiple times since early-2010s. They like lease instead of purchase transactions now.
Most southern California GM dealers have pretty much given up completely selling at MSRP exact only. They know people will always come in to buy at any price for new lease, regardless of markup or over MSRP, and they no longer need to chase any customer in to buy one.
You don't see this issue in a conservative, Republican area, right, where purchase is more popular than lease, so less turnover rate + higher new inventory = lower price?