Put another way, I don't really have a problem with 3rd parties - or individuals who are so inclined - repairing Apple gear, but the recent moves have shown tha

Put another way, I don't really have a problem with 3rd parties - or individuals who are so inclined - repairing Apple gear, but the recent moves have shown that the company would much rather deal with the small headaches of setting up and administering such a program if they can set the terms under which it happens. Otherwise, legislators (think: US Congress) will do it for them, with disastrous results. Doing it like this means everybody gets something out of the deal: Consumers can choose the best repair option for them, Independent shops now can take Apple business and without worrying about warranties, and all of this happens in full view of the company and people who are watching them closely (Again, legislators). It's a closed system and Apple sets the rules, but just about anyone can participate. On the whole, that seems like a net good to me. * The same sentiment might apply to Deere as well, but I don't know enough about that particular situation to say if it would still be impractical to take a similar approach.