I really question what causes companies to ignore consumer opinion. It was obvious people wanted tactile controls. All they had to do was read comments, do user studies, ask for feedback... any sort of interaction with consumers at all.

Its easy to say it was for profit. But surely they cant be that bad at the math of frustrating their audience versus saving pennies.

I've similarly seen car companies doubling down on obviously hated design decisions for 10 years when it could be fixed with a refresh in 3. As if they have pride and spite rather than wanting to make money.

I have a feeling the core issue is companies do not have any interest in oversight of their designers and their designers are unhinged.