They liked that it gave them hope. They liked the unparalleled performance of the machines. And they liked being listened to for a change. Certainly, Apple now understands the benefits of being direct. Customers can buy machines the way they want them configured.
Margins are higher.
And production is cheaper. Certainly, Apple understands that better marketing is in order. It is still the best platform to innovate on. Certainly, Apple understands that better products, faster timetables, and more choice are in order. The Power Mac G3 is by far the best system Apple has marketed in recent years.