While I appreciate the situation, and understand your concern, your gripe is not with Shimano; it's with big business. Simply put, the number one priority of business is to maximize profit for the shareholder – all else is in a distant tie for second place. If SRAM were in the position of Shimano, they would do the exact same thing.

Guys, Shimano is not the anti-Christ, they act as all big businesses in their position do. The gripe is legitimate, but you are aiming your gun @ the wrong party.