You're rather shouty here; it's not as if any of us are to blame.
For me, so long as I can download an audiobook to an app that works seamlessly enough and has a sleep timer and some speed function (although the more granular, the better), I can live with it. I've got a few cheap non-activated Android phones and really, it's easier just to download a book to the app than it is to download it to the computer and then have to sideload it to a flash drive or player. Plug the phone into my dashboard and there I am. Those with newer cars can use Bluetooth.
I admit that I'm glad apps take up just virtual room, as I feel as if my phone would probably clank with the weight of all those audiobook apps if they had a physical presence. But... I can't get exercised about this. I prefer OverDrive audiobooks when borrowing, as the app is pretty good and I have some use for non-DRMed audiobooks for my waterproof MP3 player. On the other hand, the price is right at RBDigital also and if it's got a book I want to hear, I won't quibble about having to use the app. I'm glad this thread had me look, as while I prefer the selection at Hoopla, I'm working up a wishlist at RBD also.
Still, sometimes ya gotta rant. So rant away, but not with so many caps.