Actually, Austin, it can be effectivly argued that anything within this thread that does not directly contribute to a solution to the root problem is the very feces you condemn, which includes your own post.
I have filed a bug report on this topic, as have countless others here. And yet, what has Apple done? So far nothing. I've filed countless bug reports on many other topics as well, both via the Feedback form and the Developer Bug Reporter. You get no reply from Apple when you submit a bug via the standard Feedback form, but with the Develoer Bug Reporter, you get some interaction. But most of the time, you will receive and automated response from the Developer Bug Reporter that tells you the bug you reported has already been logged. And while, in theory anyway, your additional bug report will further encourage Apple to work hard on getting that bug fixed, most of the time the bugs seem to never get fixed. It's usually after mentioning this fact that the fanboys jump in and defend Apple with all their might saying we should trust that Apple is fixing things according to a priority list superior to our own. But all the while the bugs that afflict our daily lives go unfixed.
Until the bugs either get fixed or until there is an acceptable workaround that is easy enough for anyone to implement, any dialog we may share does not matter at all. But at least when it comes to moaning and complaining, when there is a long enough list of moaners who moan loud enough — often catching the media's eye — Apple may be stung by such a sufficiently painful stinger that they are compelled to act. Therefore moaning does not in fact "devalue the problem" at all. Instead, it has the potential to bring more attention to the problem! I cite the following as past evidence of the present truth I proclaim...
"Can anyone tell me what MobileMe is supposed to do?" After Steve Jobs receives a reasonably good answer he proceeds, "So why the f*** doesn't it do that?"
And here's what set Mr. Jobs off in a rage against his own team at Apple:
"Mossberg, our friend, is no longer writing good things about us."
Did Mossberg act alone? Was he the only voice out there saying negatives about MobileMe? Hardly! The media includes more than just the Wall Street Journal, and it is a very powerful influence on Apple. And enough people moaning and complaining in Apple's own forums is a powerful seed that can grow into a painful thorn bush when fertilized by the media. Therefore, any words here that discourage people from moaning and potentially inciting the media are words that truly "devalue the problem."
ANYTHING that gets Apple to act, fix bugs, and in general make things better for all of us is the only thing that matters. As such, go ahead and preach "file a bug report!" That is good advice we should all follow. But stop bashing folks in threads like this one when they vent some steam and cry out with, "Apple, are you listening?" You may be surprised to know that they are listening.
Never underestimate your collective power. Keep the pressure on Apple. Your cries are not in vain.
