I have pointed this out to a few companies over the years that Amazon just lies and says others are breaking MAP. Screenshots and pricing data but they still sell Amazon to this day so. 
This is actually Amazon’s fault.
For one, a lot of times Amazon prices below MAP just because they want to do a sale, or because they pulled incorrect data on other prices available on the internet, or just because they feel like it. For the times there’s a competing seller, you would think a giant like Amazon who HAS ACCESS to information like the other seller’s inventory quantity would say “hey, this product sells 1000 units / month, this seller has 20 units, should we dump the price 20% to compete and lose 20% on 1000 units, or let them sell through 20 units and they’ll be off?” You can guess which option Amazon’s algorithm chooses.
Actually yes.
I have gotten letters from manufacturers not to resell to certain other companies because they would violate the TOS for selling. They were dealers that would sell to banned countries, violate MAP etc..
Based on second hand info, I would say you are correct. And Amazon pays less than any other seller for many products. They dictate an amount of market development funds/soft money to be deducted from invoiced price. Some vendors have complained that the number is 14% on the OSFE.
BTW I have received exemptions from MAP for promotions using MDF in the past. So it is possible Amazon does not need to dictate a special exemption.
Heavy hitters play by different rules. Often your salesman does not know what the deals are.
When I ran marketing for a division of a Fortune 200 company, there were special deals. I had two lawyers in my group whose job was to structure a deal which did not violate antitrust law, which yielded a predefined cost to our customer.
What I do know is Amazon basically tells their suppliers is they will conform to MAP when everyone else does, this include people selling used.
I know I have lost millions in sales due to Amazon violating MAP. I know this because when they run out of an item my sales skyrocket. I can sell multiple cases in a day. Then one day sales dry up completely because Amazon has them back in stock.
Which basically means they’re not gonna follow MAP, because all it takes is 1 person listing 1 unit at a lower price, and Amazon will aggressively dump the price and prevent that 1 unit from ever selling, instead choosing to perpetually sell at a lower price.
Kindly, your shady friend.
Also, always be on the look out for “My friend” in any conversation. You are most likely, not his friend.