On a whim I decided to email Tim Cook (his email is public… please be respectful if you send one, being rude doesn't help). I figured it wouldn't help but it was worth a try.
I got a canned response back a few weeks later (which I will post below), but there was an interesting line in the middle of the response:
All levels of management within Apple see reports from our database on a constant basis. Please be assured that Apple considers all of our customers' concerns to be important. In fact, many of Apple's product and policy changes have been made as a direct result of customer feedback.
I don't know how true this is exactly, but if management reviews complaints and feedback then we have every reason in the world to let them know what's going on. Apple has made other accessibility changes which I'm sure came as a result of a large number of complaints and feedback about them.
So, in short… if we don't let our voices be heard they will NEVER do anything to fix it. Send them a message! (and be respectful!)
Here's the response in full for anyone who is curious…
Thank you for your recent correspondence to Apple. We welcome your feedback on your experience using our devices.
Apple strives to provide a positive experience for our customers. All levels of management within Apple see reports from our database on a constant basis. Please be assured that Apple considers all of our customers' concerns to be important. In fact, many of Apple's product and policy changes have been made as a direct result of customer feedback.
You can also submit product feedback here: apple.com/feedback
For more information about what options you have to make your device more accessible to you, please visit our Accessibility page: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/
Please be assured that Apple values the time and consideration that you invested in your correspondence.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Kind regards,
Apple