> You underestimate the size of alternative stores.

We both can both underestimate and overestimate the size

> That lightning cable on iOS is stupid, it only benefits

Apple has had exactly two connector types.

USB has 14 connector types. On top of that USB didn't even have a power delivery standard until after Apple shipped lighting, and didn't have things like fast charges etc. until USB-C.

And USB-C is in itself a big mess of a standard where you can't even be sure if a cable support features you need.

So, no. Lightning benefited Apple's customers immensely.