Has it occurred to you that some-one with a wider view of the whole industry may actually have a better appreciation of whats going on (and where Apple is doing wrong) that some-one with your very narrow focus?
Your focus isn't exactly wide...
Having a good knowledge about all the players I have an informed unbiased opinion. You can chose to hear it, or live in your cocoon where Apple can do no wrong.
...as opposed to your cocoon where Apple can do no right?
BTW, some-one else mentioned Zune first.
That would be me. The reason why (which you interestingly chose not to reply to), which addressed your comment about MS's "reassurnces to it's partners" is in post #502 and #524