The CORBA example is an own goal. In software, we can replace outdated specifications without threat of a federal raid. If you want to use a different serializa

The CORBA example is an own goal. In software, we can replace outdated specifications without threat of a federal raid. If you want to use a different serialization format, no one is stopping you. But if you want to innovate in any physical world good or financial instrument, you face the possibility of men with guns throwing you in jail. Could not be more different. Has nothing to do with complexity and everything to with the unchecked exercise of power. If executives were free to fire or imprison one regulator every year the situation might be slightly more symmetric. As it is you have a caste of individuals employed for life with the ability to unilaterally order raids, fines, and seizures. Obviously, CORBA's advocates never had power like that -- and that is why CORBA was actually replaced via innovation.