I disagreed with the entire idea that there's been any strategic mistake concerning the Model 3. Had you said they made a strategic mistake with the X; putting too much new tech into it, not having folding seats right from the start, even sticking to FWD - I wouldn't have disagreed, but I also wouldn't care one way or another since that's long since past and rectified.
YOU might not be angry with higher option pricing over longer wait period, but there's plenty of people over in the Model 3 threads that are in a tither over the lousy $1000 upcharge for colors other than black. Money matters to a lot of people. It's a great motivator good or bad. Good people will do bad things because of money, etc., etc., etc... You upcharge for options such that it becomes obvious to all that you're gouging the customer and that's a quick way to anger people. Nobody likes to get ripped off, especially when you do it to their face. Good to great value for money goes to brand loyalty and line ups out the door and around the block. You don't like the length of the line, go buy something else - but you won't, because there isn't anything else comparable. So, you'll wait in line if and until you can't wait longer and are forced to do something else. That's how a vast majority of people think. We are all taught as children to stand in line and wait our turn. A few impatient sorts will step out of the line, it happens. But you don't get a line up at all if you're not offering something that a lot of people want and feel is a good value for their hard earned dollar.
If you want to call strategic 'money' mistake then you MIGHT have an argument against Tesla for discounting the Model X base price and including more options in the S and X at no additional charge. Now that's giving away money right there. Nobody had to know they'd improved production efficiencies and thus were passing those savings onto the customers. I'd still have disagreed with you though. Doing that, along with the not upcharging in foreign markets etc... adds immeasurable brand trust, value and loyalty.
Never forget the ultimate goal of Tesla; accelerate the advent of sustainable energy and transport. If Tesla could offer the 3 for 25k, you bet your butt they'd do it. They want everyone on the planet driving electric yesterday, but not just driving.
