To be honest, it does rather put one off ordering a vehicle knowing there is long ‘lead time’ before it will be built.
If the manufacturer happens to facelift or otherwise change the vehicle (or even delete it – I know someone not so long ago who ordered a ‘factory build’ Renault Koleos only for Renault to cease production of the Koleos before his order was even built) you could be forced to select another vehicle (or pay an increased AP for the ‘new’ model if different to the ordered model).
With Covid causing delays to factory orders, it is a risk customers take.
I know from experience that it is not a pleasant experience and some dealers maybe better than others at being able to source ‘pre-facelift’ models, but if the manufacturer changes the vehicle and your particular model/trim/engine is no longer available, you go back to ‘square one’!
Only you are not exactly back at square one in some cases. For example, the AP of your ‘second choice’ vehicle may have risen in the period since your cancelled order was placed. Which means you have to pay more for your second choice!
Overall, it boils down to doing your ‘homework’ on your chosen vehicle before you order it. If it is a new model or recently facelifted, you should be okay. However, if it is due to be facelifted (or even deleted) and there is a backlog of orders, you may wish to assess your appetite to risk, as your ordered vehicle (at the ordered AP) may not materialise!