282+ posts with most up in arms about the loss of the
good consumer OPTION to use a SIM card, especially valuable when traveling but here's the question:
For all complaining, are you buying anyway?
If you buy anyway, Apple made the right decision. Buying anyway
rewards Apple for making such "courageous" decisions. Griping for those who buy anyway is just venting. Apple still gets every seller benefit from those who may gripe loudest but then lays the money down for one.
If enough make this a dealbreaker issue, Apple gets to actually learn a lesson... and could then respond by bringing international phones into the US as alternatives (with SIM) or up to reviving SIM in the North American model next year "due to overwhelming customer demand."
What Apple wants most is to what all companies want most: to maximize revenue & profit. If buying anyway does that, all decisions Apple makes appear to be right. Voting with wallet actually works if the masses decide an issue- like this one- motivates them to NOT reward a decision.
Else, pay up, enjoy your new phone and deal with the issues and added expense when traveling outside of North America. 50,000 posts griping about this from people who buy anyway won't change a thing.