My initial response would be "easier to return/ship." But the fact of the matter is-- everything I have is beyond their ship date. I suppose, since they're so well constructed and thought out, that if I needed to take something to the Apple Store I'd repackage it so that I could transport safely. That's a good idea.
But thinking about it-- I have to say. Yeah, I may just be keeping them because I'm so impressed with the packaging. Most things that you buy (from companies other than Mac) the packaging is destroyed or worthless after opening. We all know this isn't the case with Mac products.
I've told a friend of mine, actually the friend that for years tried to bring me over to Mac and finally did, that opening the packages is almost near damn exciting as hooking the stuff up and playing with it, too. Well, maybe not quite. But I'll tell you-- I don't get a "thrill" opening any other packages-- even if what's inside is wanted very badly.
Apple is so skilled with their marketing that the experience from purchase to setup is a complete joy. Perhaps enjoying the opening of the boxes is some weird consumer perversion, but we all seem to suffer from the same one, huh?