Apple probably views the product as the privilege to develop and publish apps.

I can confirm this. Have a relative that works for Apple. Made the mistake of complaining in front of her about their take on sales (they make six-figures annually from my app). She went off on how much they give us (including Xcode) for the privilege of having an app on their phones.

Still don't have a contact there. Would have thought I would at least get someone there to talk with if issues come up.

so it's the wrong incentive. apple has no need to make it better because people are forced to use it anyways.