How do orchid nurseries get away with it?

[waterboy]

I am pretty new to growing orchids but I have been buying and growing plants for many years. This year I spent probably $1000 on orchids because I got bit by the bug. Even from reputable vendors there were purchases with crappy roots and plants that I will kindly say appeared less than vigorous. No other type of plant nursery would be able to stay in business with sales like that. Sure you can pamper the orchid and get the roots back but is it truly an expectation that it is OK to send out a plant that needs to be hospitalized by the buyer?