Great post! Even the top-level commenter doesn't seem to grasp that early, rapid prototyping only works when someone is around to say "no." Since his return, that's been Steve Jobs -- full stop.

Who can replace that? AFAICT, no one at Apple can do what he does^H^H^H^Hdid. Sure, they can continue to do what he asked them to do, but the CEO job is basically unfilled.

No one in their right mind thinks Tim Cook is a replacement for Steve Jobs.

Maybe Apple survives with lower level people saying yes or no. Personally, IMO, the golden age is over. It was great while it lasted.