Don't get me wrong, there is definitely such a thing as firmware crippleware, but being strict about compatibility with other devices isn't necessarily such a c

Don't get me wrong, there is definitely such a thing as firmware crippleware, but being strict about compatibility with other devices isn't necessarily such a case, particularly in this case where random devices are disproportionately likely to cause all kinds of mischief. In general, being more compatible increases the value of a device. When it doesn't, you've got some bad market forces at play.