I was really just playing devil's advocate. It just seems like everyone expects things to be given away as charity. Apple is not a 501(c), so if they come up with something, it's because they think there's a revenue stream in it.

The entire thing works so well precisely because there are so many Apple devices in the wild, and Apple is looking to capitalize on that.

They're welcome to do whatever they please. Doesn't change the fact that they're the largest company in the world though, nor does it exempt them from a bit of criticism for being one of the most ruthless forces in capitalism today. I don't think it's wrong to expect them to set a good example for the thousands of organizations that choose to follow their path.

“Setting a good example” is completely and utterly subjective, and should not be left to a company to manage. If society deems something is in the best interests of society, it should be regulated by law. Asking companies to mind themselves in regards to what is best for society at large, while also mandating they maximize value for shareholders, is confusing at best.

That's a pretty fatalistic way to look at things, but I suppose you're entitled to your own opinion on the matter.

You know what they say about opinions and assholes… Mine stink too.

But think about it, how am I wrong? We set these companies up, by law, to put profit first, then hope they also do the right thing.

Those are misaligned incentives at the very least.