Keep in mind that there are people with experience and education everywhere who through a variety of factors end up in retail. Apple simply skims off the top. There are other retailers who do the same, the problem is that most people never come into contact with those people, mainly due to the exclusivity of their products so Apple can easily draw the attention of any journalist due to their open door and relative geographic accessibility. It's like restaurant rating sites; anyone can eat out and review a meal, ergo a popular yet lazy approach.

What the article fails to address is that a) I'm already sold on the new product prior to its announcement and release and b) as a backup, if I really need it, there's a retail store where I can purchase the good or service that I need to easily complement my previous purchase.

Apple store employees are gophers, regardless of background and pedigree. They're cashiers that fetch my cables, machine or add-ons instead of me having to surf through the isles of a warehouse cum store hoping to catch the eye of someone wiring their third shift. And that's why I readily pay a premium for their products: a combination of hardware excellence and premium customer service.

That Apple doesn't pay commissions and top dollar to their low-level retail employees doesn't surprise me. It's a manifestation of supply and demand and I accept that.