I agree with your last point. It's too bad the Apple brand has been reduced to that of a designer fashion by the masses, or some kind of status symbol.

It's like some people want a BMW just to impress the neighbors with a badge, while others can appreciate the level of engineering and the minds that went into the precision you can feel when you are driving it.

I like to make purchasing decisions based on the competency of the company in making what they make, but unfortunately most people don't think that way so a phone like this doesn't even get a chance.