A net positive if it makes companies stop distorting prices with such bullshit. Selling hardware below design/manufacturing costs and recouping losses via consumables/subscription should be considered antisocial business practice, as it not only is user-hostile itself, but also forces everyone on the market to follow suit.
Frequently the cost of the item is offset by the expected gains from the DRMed consumable; enough people buying the litter box but not their soap would cause the company to lose money—a net negative.