I like Apple products. But I hate Apple. I bought a mac mini and an iPhone 3g when it came out. I loved it. I bought everything just to make apps, and I did it. But I learn one thing: Apple doesn't care about me, only about the money that I bring them. Everyone always says how great their Customer Support is, everyone that is not a developer. They do not care about your problem, they will not try to help you. No info, no help. And this will not change because as soon as you step out other ten will take your place. They do not care about your need as a developer. If you are not fine with this, leave, you will not be missed. And I left. Never to return.
You essentially countered your own argument there. The fact that you've admitted you understand that the immense profits they made last quarter were a direct result of their closed policy is evidence that deep down, even you don't truly believe they should be more open.<p>I think a more correct title would be, "Wouldn't it be nice if Apple was more open?"
Sorry, but no.<p>> <i>I thought I could happily develop using them for the next 2-2.5 years</i><p>If we want the market and ecosystem to continue to grow (thus keeping your job) then it's a damn good thing things like this happen. Be happy Apple continues to deliver you a mass audience with a solid distribution network.
What you bought are still useful devices with all the bugs the Simulator doesn't represent, and then the Simulator for the different screen size.<p>What are you going to move to where you can avoid this?
I don't see that this is any worse than android where you have a huge number of differing screen sizes.<p>One problem though with the growing number of devices is the cost involved in testing web apps. Especially if you want to support retina screens and such.