LOL I consider "available for recall" as sticking around. Because be sure, Goodra will return where it matters. Just like Charizard. Now if it is an outright release, where he will never see it again, THEN my reaction would be different. I see the reason behind it. You see, if Goodra needs to be really strong by the end, it needs training. But training Goodra means it will be hogging the screen and the gym battles. And either one of the other pokemon make way later, or he doesn't catch more than 5. They did the right thing (if it is available for recall).
As such, it isn't even a certainty that Goodra will even leave. The reasoning that Goodra isn't in the movie short (which is like two seconds) isn't really solid. Even if it doesn't appear in the movie, apparently that isn't something new. As to merchandise, it is obvious. Goodra isn't even in the show yet. We still have almost two weeks to go for that.