I'll put in my $.02 then run away.
Ford Motor Company does the same thing only in a different way. They put core charges on certain parts. Parts such as headlights, bumper covers, wheels, various electronic modules etc. The ONLY reason that makes sense to 'me' is the monetary need to remove them from the aftermarket so independent companies cannot repair them to resell them as a remaufactured product.
If a headlight has a minor scratch that can be polished out, a bumper cover that has small tear which can be repaired, it doesn't matter, you either swallow the core charge (which they get to keep
) or sent it back for a core refund. Some of those core charges aren't cheap either, they can be as much as $400 for an electronic module. And if you loose the box? tuff, you need that to return it. They have been doing this steadily over the years. No more caliper seal kits or pistons. Brushes or an armature for a starter? Nada. Need a bearing or a voltage reg for your alternator? Same gig.
Nope the real reason for it is the almighty buck plain and simple.
and which could damage the reputation the company has for reliability.
I think Mr Rossman and Ms. Burdett might beg to differ. I've heard them repeatedly say Apple does little to make their motherboards moisture resistant. Such a simple thing to do (??) and yet they refuse.
Follow the money...