I have ordered non-"gun" parts direct from LMT in the past... you can do that with no problem. (up to and including complete uppers).
I have had my FFL order lowers directly from LMT, no distributor required.
I got my goods in both situations... problem is, they are not snappy on shipping. Expect to wait several weeks, and that was before Obamanation.
Normally I would have said to find a stocking dealer, order from them, and get your goods in a fraction of the time for the same MSRP. Post Obamanation, that probably isn't the clear path anymore. If you want your stuff fast, you are probably going to have to pay a premium. If you would rather get it for a reasonable cost, you are probably going to have to wait no matter who you order from.
Best plan now would probably be to call your favorite dealer, get a quote/wait time, call LMT and do the same; order from the better option, with the understanding that they may not hit the timing estimate exactly.