Precisely.
Apple isn't Acer or Asus or Dell. They don't build enterprise computers, they create consumer products, for which the needs are definitely different.
Bio Hazard GXP does a great job of pointing out all the "non-standard" stuff in the new MBP. Apple has -- for years! -- used standard RAM, standard drives (optical, hard and SSD), and more. No one really cared. Sure, it helped a little when it came time to upgrade the machines -- more RAM or a bigger drive -- but I saw somewhere that Apple's research showed that something like 75% of all customers never upgrade their MacBooks from their as-shipped configurations.
So ... it became advantageous (again) for Apple to use proprietary components, because they can design them to be smaller, lighter, more power-efficient, and even less expensive.
For example, to offer an easily removable battery, Apple has to design the system to retain the battery yet release it when needed. Those elements of the design require extra space and manufacturing time. Making the batteries a dealer-serviceable item removes all that complexity -- which opens up space in the system so the battery can be bigger (and thus last longer) or so that the entire system can be smaller.
Same goes for soldered-on RAM (though I, too, am not a big fan of RAM soldered to the main logic board). And probably even the SSD.
Most consumers will appreciate the design trade-offs that Apple made, because they're undoubtedly based on some survey data, in addition to Apple's forward-thinking product planning teams who are paid big bucks to figure out what should be done to improve Apple's products without ticking off the bulk of its customers.
If you happen to like standard PC components in a standard PC form factor, you're in luck! Because pretty much every other PC maker makes pretty generic-looking laptops and desktops. But even with them, as you start getting into the ultrabook lines, they start using proprietary designs.
Fortunately, you've got the freedom to choose which device works best for you and your needs. Judging by MacBook sales (both Pro and Air), a VERY significant number of people feel the MacBook line fits their needs quite well. That's great for them. If it doesn't work for you, buy something else that will.
Funny ... that's not all that different a situation than religion, politics or just about any other passionate pursuit.
