I think BF could set up something similar - resulting in a more standardised production range. Or it could simply be the starting point of talking with the sales person. An ice breaker, so to speak.
I have suggested to BF during my visits to the mother ship that they would benefit from a standardized range of stock bikes that hit the sweet spot needs of ~75% of their customers. This would not only simplify things for the customer, but also for BF. They could then offer full-custom options for the 25% who weren't well served by the stock bike lineup.
I have talked extensively to folks at BF and I don't believe there is any devious up sale motive going on for the desire to talk to the customer. I think they offer too much choice that most people don't need which then begets far more communication than simply picking from a range of stock bikes.
Nobody is getting rich at Bike Friday and nobody is acting greedy. They are trying to make bikes they believe in and keep people in their town employed.