> Microsoft, unlike Apple, does not control the entire vertical stack. They don't really have direct control over hardware or retail distribution (some notable exceptions - Xbox, Microsoft stores etc., but you know what I mean - it's nothing like Apple's top-down approach)
I think most people in our field, including Gruber, are well aware that MS doesn't have full control of the stack. It's good to note, but at the end of the day if you're just judging product A from product B; no one, especially the customer, gives a crap about excuses no matter how good they are. Unless you're my family or friend, you either deliver or you don't. I don't care if you have to let the dog eat your homework or not.
I think most people in our field, including Gruber, are well aware that MS doesn't have full control of the stack. It's good to note, but at the end of the day if you're just judging product A from product B; no one, especially the customer, gives a crap about excuses no matter how good they are. Unless you're my family or friend, you either deliver or you don't. I don't care if you have to let the dog eat your homework or not.