IMO any new computer or tablet should last at least 5 years without fault so warranties should reflect this. Its good to see Apple is being 'forced' to change its policy but when I get my iMac just under a year ago I opted for the extended warranty even though under Australian law it's most likely covered for 3 years anyway.
So, with your logic, the cheap $300 notebooks and $69 tablets as an example, should come with a full 5 year warranty?
You very much get what you pay for when it comes to technology. I can understand the argument for Apple to have the full 5 year warranty you speak of, but not every product made by every manufacturer.
If a 5 year warranty was imposed for all products, prices will skyrocket back to pre-GFC levels and possibly, products will be made with much better quality than 90% of the electronic trash that is currently sold that ends up in landfill within <5 years.
Just my .02c