Comment by scoofy

Because it's required to use the product, right? Like, if you have a phone, and you can buy a lightning version or a quarter-inch audio version, sure, yes let the free market win. Nope... they removed the audio jack (against large public outcry).

This isn't about lightning being better, because we were never offered a choice. Lightning being the only option when there is a clear market for alternatives is the obvious tell for rent seeking.