I don't think there's a big difference for the customer. In either case the vendor has full grasp on those family jewels and can name any price for their produ

I don't think there's a big difference for the customer. In either case the vendor has full grasp on those family jewels and can name any price for their product or service. See also: everyone eagerly awaiting an actual viable alternative to NVidia's GPUs. Are they a good product? Yes. Do customers want there to be a competitor so they can pursue a dual vendor strategy and do some price negotiation? Also yes.