The digital download copy should be there for low cost, not convenience. It takes most people less time to go into town (and even less to have a copy drop on your doormat on the day of release whilst you are at work) than it does to download a 3Gb game anyway, and with a digital download you get less product, delivered in a far cheaper way, with far less overheads.
Everything about digital distribution, from the lack of a box, manual, etc etc to the lack of retail stores, distrubution networks, is low cost. Except the price.
Therefore I always buy retail boxed products, partly because I prefer to get more and have a nice box for my shelf but also partly because I strongly disagree with the pricing models.
Digital Distrubution has allowed companies like EA to slash cost and at the same time, hike price. And you all lap it up. No wonder they do it - supply and demand.