The bit that really annoys me is that a more stand-up form factor would probably be more usable for most people, since it allows using a phone as a mini-screen.

That's one possible use case, typically don't charge my phone during the day. I have a phone stand on my desk in my work and home offices without chargers. I also have chargers next to the couch, kitchen counter, and night stand without phone stands.

In my case I'd prefer a mat to toss my phone on to a stand.

Much harder to set a watch on that

Or a thick AirPods case

As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage?

I'll take the Apple route I think. There is plenty of room for both takes. I won't trash a company because they don't want to compromise their image.

If they feel it's important to have a sleek charger then I'm glad they would rather not release than compromise their vision even if it doesn't matter to me.

>>> unless the device is redesigned to be slightly thicker and larger – decisions which Apple is specifically unwilling to make compromises on for their overall design.

>> Sounds like Apple.

> As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage?

That's entirely different. This sounds like Apple prioritizing barely-perceptible differences, and letting them either turn into roadblocks or force other unpleasant compromises (e.g. removal of the 3.5mm jack and the adoption of the unreliable butterfly keyboard).

The prioritization of thinness jumped the shark a long time ago, IMHO.