> So in order to ensure their continued profits, they're using DRM to actively make their platform less useful.

but that is demonstrably not true. The CSI interface and driver is opensource (https://patchwork.kernel.org/patch/9951525/), anyone can create a camera that piggybacks onto that port. Infact, there are a number of aftermarket cameras that do. Some have built in infrared, some are tiny.

What they are attempting to do is stop counterfeit "official" camera.

Also, all that money goes to either developing more board, or running educational outreach. So I think one can forgive them the urge to protect revenue. It's not like they are microsoft in the 90s, or oracle.