It doesn't surprise me that people purchase these animals though. I've have shown our Mini Lops to people before and people have been DISAPPOINTED because they "thought they were going to be smaller". They always ask if the 4 week olds are available when they see them.
Going to a responsible breeder will get you a proper weaned rabbit,given the correct care, and advice.
I have used pictures of our own Mini Lops to show the expectation of the cuteness factor of a 4 week old and reality of a 8 week old.
When my BF was briefly employed there, he asked his boss why they sell so young, "Because they sell." and everything was considered a "dwarf". Even after trying to educate why they should sell 8 week olds instead, they refused because they would no longer be "dwarfs" and wouldn't sell easily.
It was a big disillusion process after that with how the animals are constantly sick, coming from mills and animals are unhealthy from being weaned too early. Rabbits usually suffered the worst because they were sold too young, under too much stress,worst diet, and died constantly of enteritis,bloat,snuffles,etc.
If they weren't dead when they came back, they usually were just put into a tiny tank in the back to slowly pass away and the owners were given a brand new baby bunny.
Out of sight,out of mind.
Scary.
I think it's a clear cut line between which animals need the rescuing and it's not from responsible breeders or responsible owners.