I think MacRumors should offer an explenation for this removal.
When looking at the full story posted other places, I fail to see how any of this can be copyrighted by Apple. Its simply information about a change of serial numbers, with an illustration.
The fact that this story was rather boring, is not the point. The point is that MacRumors should be independent. If they are willing to just edit or remove their own content based on the dissatisfaction by Apple-employees, I for one am worried about the implementations.
No true journalist would ever do this, unless it was a clear law or copyright that was broken.
Publications and newspaper gets threats all the time. I once got a threat from Electronic Arts legal appartment, because I posted a sneak peak about some Need for Speed-game before it was released, while working for an internet newspaper. Big companies like EA can be very threatening, I know I was scared as hell. But Im glad the editors stood by my side and refused to remove the story, even when EA threatened to sue.
Of course there might be some details I dont know about, but if so, it seems strange that MacRumors didnt at least mention what copyright law or other legal thing they were breaking. To just state the the article is removed by REQUEST at Apple, I think is a little worrysome. You know, like any outside influence can just step in as the editorial staff and make content changes if they request so.
Yeah yeah, I know, I wont lose any sleep over this. Just saying.