I don't think it was at all irresponsible of them for accepting a half hearted port of a 10 year old technology that really isn't intended for a touch screen.

I don't think it was at all irresponsible of them for accepting a half hearted port of a 10 year old technology that really isn't intended for a touch screen. HTML 5, CSS3 and other standards saw wider adoption more quickly(thanks also in part to google) What is happening here is Apple is streamlining its products in what they hope will make for a better user experience. It may or may not work out for them, but there is plenty of choice out there. Further, this isn't the same situation as the 1990s when Microsoft would gun for other companies by releasing same-ish products for free to squash others out of the market. They are just not supporting them if they dont meet their standards.