Idk I just see it as "why reinvent the wheel?". I mean you said it yourself, the hardware isn't cheap, its proprietary, has high residual value etc.
I dont see the point in spending $xxxx on a Mac, when I could go out and purchase used PC hardware, load it down with a decent proc, tons of RAM, and a copy of CS. I could easily escape under the $1k mark. I could have a comparable if not better machine. Thats my personal view.