I think you've put your finger on it. Funny thing that there are laws imposing standards on so many other technologies... but not software, even re basic file f

I think you've put your finger on it. Funny thing that there are laws imposing standards on so many other technologies... but not software, even re basic file formats. Hmmm. Nobody thinks software is without economic consequence, yet this remains so. Hmmm. For example, once upon a time screws were made however anyone wished to make them (and railways were whatever width the company wished.) "In 1918 Congress passed a law establishing an organization called the National Screw Thread Commission, with the goal of ascertaining consistent standards for screws. The goal of this effort, which you might guess given the timing of the law's passage, is military-related: As you might guess, the military uses a lot of screws, and inconsistencies were apparently bad enough after World War I that Congress had to do something about it. John Q. Tilson, a Connecticut congressman, argued that the measure was necessary due to the problems a lack of consistent screw thread were creating. He also made the case for businesses—who he argues also will benefit from screw compatibility." http://tedium.co/2016/09/15/screw-history-standards/ http://tedium.co/2016/09/15/screw-history-standards/