These companies also don't blame consumers for the price of their products. These also are not utilities, which every American requires to commute to and from their job. There's no comparison whatsoever, so I'm not sure what your point is.

As you wrote: "Any other industry would die a fast and agonizing death using this marketing strategy." ExxonMobil, the most profitable oil company, turns $12 in profit on $100 in sales. Coca-Cola turns $18 in profit on $100 in sales. Apple turns $25 in profits on $100 in sales. I do not expect Coca-Cola or Apple to die a fast and agonizing death.