Why does Apple still refuse to support FLAC on iTunes?

I read a stat estimating that 90% of lossless music files are now FLAC. I DJ a lot, including with digital music, finding that many lossless files sold are FLAC. I can import, play and even FLAC in the majority of audio programs I use, without issue, without the need to convert, without having to manually install third party plugins. The world's most popular media player still doesn't allow you to import these files. Does anyone know why this is?

I've read the odd article from journalists and industry types, speculating that Apple believe support for FLAC devalues their own lossless format ALAC/AIFF. I also read further assumptions that support for FLAC becomes a minefield on licensing and patent ownership. I don't buy either of those presumptions; Apple allows support for WAV, which is Microsoft's lossless format. They also support MP3 files, which is a near equivalent of Apple's own AAC/MP4 compressed files. Also, FLAC is open source and available to all for non-commercial purposes. Apple don't sell lossless files on iTunes, they use their AAC/MP4 compression. Also, Google and Microsoft have supported FLAC on their media players for a number of years now, without any drama, to my (limited) knowledge

Have Apple ever made a statement, justifying their reasons for a lack of support? Is anyone from Apple wiling to make their position clear now?