I don't understand how the java plugin is an issue. It's been disabled on all my machines for the last 4 years, and I don't remember any instance where I'd have whished to enable that thing.
Need to move and update your registered address? Java
Need to file your taxes? Java
Need to check your last paycheck, insurance statement? Java
Want to gamble through the national gambling provider? Java
As stated by others: Need to check your bank account? Java
However, using a java applet to login is slow and painful. Maybe this move my Apple will increase support costs and encourage these govt agencies to drop the java requirement.
Here's a few areas I've used it recently:
* HP integrated Lights Out (i.e. your server appears dead, you fire up a browser, gets a java applet with direct access to the server/bios) * My bank. Seems most online banking here in Europe use java applets. This is a common case. There's millions of people, non-tech people, that wants online access to their bank. * Provisioning a point to point radio link (the management app was a Java webapp - started with java web start, not an applet though)