Ia fully agree with Ibrihim's comment. What shortage are you talking about? Here in Blighty (you know, the country where you are based), you can get them practically everywhere. A quick search shows availability at all serious online dealers: OcUK (24+ from 3 different vendors), Novatech (6 from 2 differnet vendors), Scan and Yoyotech and Novatech all show several vendors in stock.

And what's the issue about a hefty price penalty?? Yes, if you are stupid you can be had and pay up to £500 for the 295. But my quick search shows the card available from £379. The cheapest Geforce 275 I could find in the UK today was for £189.99. You do the math!

Fully available, less hassle, less heat, overclocks like a charm, and no more expensive. At least in the UK, what's not to like??

Re GTX295 and Haystacks
As a dreamer I have looked for a 295, try
Ebuyer,Scan and Dabs and if you are a serious haystack hunter many more.I used the Internet.