Users don't understand IT - never have, never will. All they really understand is their jobs. No project gets enough time, budget and resources to be done the way it should be done.
Faster hardware is cheaper than faster software.
Vendors and consultants are trying to make as much money from customers as possible. It's up to us to get our money's worth. The best technology doesn't always make a successful product. Then again, the best technology may not be what you need. Some vendors really don't like some other vendors - so much that they're willing to let it get in the way of working with customers.