Not everyone lives in the US, nor does everyone have high speed broadband, I don't have a lot of use for optical media myself, equally many do and I see no reason for the technology to be withdraw any time soon. As without any doubts Apple interests in digital delivery are firmly entrenched with iTunes and other online stores as a function of profitability not for the benefit of mankind...
As for your ISP`s holding back, far more likely their greed is the issue, than some still using optical media you might want to give that some thought.
Of course that ISP hasn't done much because of their greed. They realize that oh, people can just get by with "this" much. So if people continue to use optical media there won't be much of a voice to place pressure on ISPs.
Though as people stream more content from iTunes, Netflix and other online services it has forced ISPs to become slightly more competitive. There is no reason to have a physical DVD that can scratch.
I actually built myself a server to backup all my Macs. It's in a RAID 5 so if one of the HDD crash, all I have to do is put a new one in and it's fine. Also I then have my server that backups to a cloud service for server backups.
Yes, somethings must be installed using disc but that's a Windows problem with ISO and it being outdated. I much rather have a strong infrastructure for internet than keep paying for old technology as it becomes increasingly ever more important to have all our content and connecting of our devices as we move around in an increasingly moving world that continues to flatten as cultures mix with the ease of travel.
I much rather have a world where it does not matter where I am that constrains me from for filling the goals, dreams and work I must get done. Having a disc is a problem as it is only local. You may see that as a good thing but I see it as not connecting, non communicating and static, all of which are huge draw backs for me.
Yes you might have to manage your media and learn new ways but get with the times and get connected as it increases knowledge, business and more. Look at how far North Korea has fallen behind because it does not allow its citizen to connect to the world's internet.
Optical drives are not enabling wide spread communication which is why I am against it. Communication is the most important thing. Also it drives up cost. Shipping the disc, manufacturing, etc.
