But Toshiba is also "big business" however, they DID try to keep customers in mind...

that's business

Disrespect does not mean business, it means disrespect. Repeat business is the cornerstone of long term viability and maximum profits. Disrespect is BAD business.

The best way to let them know you don't like how they're treating you is to not buy any blu-ray discs from them.

Yeap.

Most consumers have short memories and their indignation wears off as soon as a title they "must have" is released.

And that's exactly why companies do this time and again. Consumers have no backbone.

I wonder if online downloads/access will make all these discussions/format wars moot in a few years...

I think it will be more than a few years. There are still going to be way too many people without fast enough internet connections or internet connections altogether for a long time. Maybe they could pull it off in Japan in a few years, but North America? I don't see how.

I like to collect some things, and I'll be disappointed if physical media dies off. And it's so nice to be able to loan people movies. Also, if the whole industry can't agree on one form of physical media, how are they going to agree on one download service? I foresee a bigger mess with downloads than could ever take place in a war like that between HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

All I have to say is that if LOTR doesn't come out before May 2008 in HD DVD, I am going to be one pissed off HD DVD owner.

I think you'll have to be prepared to be pissed off.