Isn't that something that could be solved by shipping it with a 50c piece of metal between the bars during shipping as a surrogate for the wheel axle? Given the list prices, seems like they could stretch to that, and it'd be more reliable than hoping the delivery man will be more gentle because he thinks it's a TV box.

yeah, with proper supports in the right places, none of these shenanigans/hacks would be needed.

It came with some cheap plastic covers on the dropouts, nothing structural. That's a good thing to look for in future purchases though.