Both of those reasons are often given. It is probably about a 50/50 split.
Ask the seller why not. If their reason is because it's a hassle, then they should have no issue with someone else responsibly and carefully doing the work and shipping it to you. If they have some sort of moral dilemma about it, then you will have to decide which way you are comfortable going.
Dude. Take the adventure! I've seen so many cool things traveling across the country. I drove to Louisiana and back twice in the last year, and I plan to go again this coming winter if I'm invited. Rental cars are cheap.
Hwy 5 though... uuugh. I've done that drive more times than I can count. Two summers ago I was visiting a friend in San Diego when I came down with covid the day before I was supposed to fly home. I decided not to potentially infect a plane load of people so instead I rented a car and drove from San Diego to the Olympic Peninsula. I did 101 to the Bay Area that time but past there it takes so much longer.
I've done that one before. Montana too. Not too bad. Its nice and green at least, which is a pleasant change for me.
