I think many of these problems aren't caused by someone unable to construct a good UI, but that the manufacturer's other goals happen to be opposed to good UI.

I think many of these problems aren't caused by someone unable to construct a good UI, but that the manufacturer's other goals happen to be opposed to good UI. UI is just not high on the priority list and is inadvertently trampled on. E.g. clamshell/tamper-proof packaging is awful (I like calling it "customer-proof"), but the goal to reduce theft is a much higher priority than making it easier to open.