They have a position they feel is worth defending. I don't see this move (and to be clear, it is a distasteful move) as anything other than piling obstacles in

They have a position they feel is worth defending. I don't see this move (and to be clear, it is a distasteful move) as anything other than piling obstacles in the way of current or potential competitors. It is easier to prevent a competitor from rising up than it is to combat one that already has a foothold. I doubt this is a significant part of any strategy on their part other than "throw molotov cocktails all around to keep competitors busy/distracted". I would like companies to compete on merit and win by, you know, convincing consumers their offering is the best. Current corporate culture seems to view that kind of outlook as quaint or naive and prefers this kind of ass-hattery. I continue to hope for an eventual attainment of more sophisticated outlooks. The fact that such retarded, petty shit continues thousands of years into organized society is discouraging.