I seriously doubt that Apple could be shamed into doing something about this. Why would they want to set a precedent? The "right thing to do" rarely factors into corporate thinking unless there's some egregious humanitarian issue getting significant publicity. Even if publicized, this won't register on the radar of the average consumer buying Apple's products. That's why Apple knows they can afford to take the stance they have. I'm not defending it - I think it stinks - I just think that is the reality of the situation.
Apple rarely takes action before it gets to the point of a threat of a class-action lawsuit.
We're only at
GateCon 6
Here's the typical cycle for problems reported on Apple products:
1. A few members post reports of the problem, report it to Apple
2. No response from Apple
3. Increased number of people report the issue
4. No response from Apple
5. Apple apologists dismiss the reports as very rare, the result of trolling, or exaggeration by drama queens
6. Even more reports of the problem
7. No response from Apple
8. News of the problem hits blogs
9. Apple apologists dismiss the blogs as simply engaging in clickbait
10. No response from Apple
11. Those affected by the issue threaten a class-action lawsuit
12. Apple apologists decry the "sue happy" nature of American consumers
13. Apple acknowledges the legitimacy of the problem
14. Apple apologists are silent
15. Apple release an update to correct the problem
or
15. They set up a "program" to address the problem.
16. Apple gains some positive publicity
17. Apple apologists applaud Apple for doing the "right thing". (for an issue that they said from day-1 was not actually an issue)
18. First hand experience with the “program” reveals very strict guidelines and restrictions that greatly reduce the number of affected customers that can participate in the program.