Double edge Safety razors are better than 3 blade disposables.
Regular tooth brushes are better than electric.
Stainless steel pans are better than non stick.
Percolators are better than pods.
etc.
Why is a manual toothbrush better than an electric one? I recently bought an electric one and I feel like it cleans my teeth a lot better.
I've used some really great stainless steel pans, but they were evidently extremely expensive. Teflon doesn't have great durability, but you can get a decent non-stick pan that will last maybe 5 years for under £50.
I think those pods are a stupid, overpriced, wasteful way to make coffee, but it's perfectly nice, and the pods keep the coffee fresh (although so does tupperware, without the waste). It's also not the same as percolated coffee.
(By the way, I totally agree with you on the rest of your point - I'm just curious to see if it's possible for a better product to win over an inferior one with lock-in in this case. I certainly hope so)