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On the other hand, as evidenced by a few other comments here, there are probably quite a few who don't want the security "improved" Apple-style, to the point that losing the password really means it's impossible to recover from.

Note that this password only allows access to BIOS and being able to boot; if the HDD also has a password and/or is encrypted, this doesn't really affect security of data.

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That is the trade off though. If you want a secure device you need to accept the risks that if you forget the passphrase you are fucked. A false sense of security isn't a good thing.

Correct. The HD password is a little closer to real security.

My motivation here is the same as most people buying old Thinkpads off eBay-- getting past the SVP on machines with a dead CMOS battery. I don't give a fig about any data on the hard drive :-)

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