That is just half of the truth. First of all, I wouldn't have to pay 21, I would have to pay 19%. And this would be WITHOUT shipment costs - half of the shipment costs are included in the VAT calculation, because it is within the MD revenue calc. We would have WAY lower shipment costs over here in Europe. I have participated in a stictly german GB for a GMK Dolch Set, and this was 117€ including DHL. It really would be cheaper without dobling the shipemtn and logistics costs.
It's not half the truth, it was a simplistic explanation. Half the truth would imply ill intent which is obviously not the case.
Of course you'll save pennies elsewhere as you stated since shipping is factored into VAT calculations, there are discrepancies in VAT values (19% in Germany as opposed to 23% here in Portugal) which can be quite relevant, etc.
How long ago was that Dolch set ran? 2 years? The prices have shifted heavily as I'm sure you're aware, GMK TA 90 is 140€ being ran by Mykeyboard right now + 16€ shipping (which, funnily enough, is more than the $13 I pay for MD shipping GMK trays back and forth over to me). Of course comparing theoretical Massdrop prices to those of their "competitors" doesn't do anyone any good either way but yea. Point is the difference in price wouldn't be that big nowadays, obviously saving where possible is always good but the biggest improvement is just quality of life as said.