How can a product that was already on the market, co-existing at a higher price point with the discontinued product, be a "replacement" for the discontinued product?
As for whether or not this question is appropriate for the Apple Discussion forums, I see nothing in the TOS that suggests it's against the rules to discuss the availability of Apple products in the Apple Disucssion forums, or that it's against the rules to have a negative opinion of a decission Apple has made.
It seems to me the best place to discuss a company's products is in the company forum — or at least that's the way it is with every other computer-related product I've ever used. Sometimes such discussions will include opinions different from your own.
Perhaps you're saying that these forums are only for the discussion of technical problems? If that's the case, I'll be happy to take my concerns about the discontinuation of the MacBook to another section of discussions.apple.com where users may discuss larger issues, like Apple's corporate philosophy and the availability of products. Just point the way.
Or are you suggesting such discussions should not be allowed anywhere near Apple.com on principle, to protect Apple from criticism by its own userbase?