I see the proliferation of bespoke sample players as both a good thing - it drives innovation, as can be seen in some aspects of Orchestral Tools SINE player - and a reflection that Kontakt just hasn't kept up (perhaps as NI has spread itself too thin across many interests).

I also think that the industry could change - After all, Hans Zimmer has been instrumental (!) in bringing more plugin instruments into the mainstream scores, and may well be one who'd appreciate the potential (especially being fond of u-he instruments).

I'm sure that everything won't suddenly change, and indeed I doubt the landscape will change much over the next 12 months. However, everything has to start somewhere and CLAP is well designed and connected to be able to make a difference.

I also think that a realistic approach needs to be taken with the open source aspect. It opens more doors, rather than closing them - that's what's important. The business side will need more work, but just bringing the ecosystem to more people with less barriers to entry, as well as looking to progress the status quo and allow for more innovation without being dependent on a single vendor, is a fantastic start.

I don't disagree with your current view of the world. I just believe that it's just as ripe for change as other tech industries - perhaps more. Blender is another example of how sentiment can change - it may not be an Industry Standard yet, but it's gaining a lot more use and respect, and even the industry at large is now funding research and development into it.

There is change happening. It just needs encouragement.