This has been the case ever since I can remember. When I was buying a MBP in 2012, this was the case as well. Of course, at that time, you could say 'screw it'

This has been the case ever since I can remember. When I was buying a MBP in 2012, this was the case as well. Of course, at that time, you could say 'screw it' and buy your own ram stick. Good ol' times. Nowadays, Apple is just not worth it (especially in Europe).