> These companies are unnecessary dinosaurs from a bygone era.

I personally believe this is wishful thinking (similarly when I read about how companies have "outdated business models"). Publishers sell prestigue and attention, and this can't easily be replicated, nor is it unnecessary. The increase in research papers makes them even more valueable in my eyes.

This is despite me wanting to see many changes to publishing and science distribution.

edit: removed part that I deemed unecessarily hostile.