Ebooks are not sold like other products and I don't see it changing. I see what the analogy was trying to point out but, to me, it just does not apply.
Everyone might not like exclusive deals but usually it's just those who have the "other device" and can't read the format. Also many of these deals are time limited. Same thing happened with Pearl panels when Eink released them. Only Sony & Amazon had them for a number of months. No different than a period of exclusivity of a given ebook either at the time of hardback release or prior to the hardback release. Odds are the book will be out in EPUB when the HB is released.
This is just business. Some stores get exclusive rights to a product either for all time or for a specific period. Happens all the time and if there is not a store in your area which is part of the deal you go without it. Stop all the feet and hold your breath all we want but it's not gonna change a thing.
If the manufacturers (publishers) felt this was going to lose them money they would not make such a deal.
Personally I suspect these are all still in the excremental, errrr, experimental stage. We'll see exclusivity deals with different authors and ebook sellers over time. Some authors have many more Kindle readers than those who use EPUB readers.
It's not that big a deal as it's not like they are taking away your birthday. Think of it as tantric sex. Delaying the gratification makes it all the better once you get your turn!
