While I agree that it does seem to be the business model I think a hungry competitor would be willing to give it a go if they thought it would give them an edge

While I agree that it does seem to be the business model I think a hungry competitor would be willing to give it a go if they thought it would give them an edge. If they got traction the others might be compelled to follow. Most advances in technology or processes put the old guard out of business or at least severely cut down their market size if they don't adapt.