What's the problem? All you have to do is hear the MP3 demos of the Audya and if you're happy with those you should have no trouble plopping down $5500. After all who needs to actually play an instrument in person to know it's right for them?
All things aside... B&H has this policy in place because the dealer markup on these instruments isn't spectacular and they aren't about to eat a $5500 instrument simply because you wanted to see what it was like. You'd be surprised how many people use return policies to only use an instrument but never really wanting to own it.
I've seen many people buy high end gear to use on a recording session or gig only to return it after they were done using it for their intended purpose. They never had any intention of actually owning it, only to use it as a free rental. Sad but true. There are many unscrupulous people out there that will try to get anything they can for free.
FWIW... B&H is a very reputable store and I'm sure that if you were a regular client of theirs they would make an exception for you.