I think the lesson here is not that Apple is overly cautious but that everyone needs to make sure that your important usernames and passwords are documented for your heirs to use when you die. Have your lawyer or trusted friend keep a safe copy. I once had a client who's husband had died and with him went all the critical usernames and passwords. I was able to get into his computer and retrieve the some files for the widow (it was XP) but she had a hell of a time closing accounts and making changes to account after he died.