I agree with much of what you said, but no-one is forcing anyone to buy overpriced mining hardware from ASICMiner. Sometimes, the most prudent thing to do is either buy BTC directly or simply save fiat and wait for a better opportunity.
I can't really blame ASICMiner for ripping people off if folks are dumb enough to overpay.
Overpaying ASICMiner for mining hardware just because they are shipping now is a terrible option.
True that. But, the fact that it is happening and I'm squeezed out of btc mining (along with everyone else who does not own an asic) casts a shadow over the entire btc network in my mind. What I am seeing is the money supply and hashrate being dictated by a few people with access to better connections or technologies or even capital. That was always the fear right? A country or entity with better technology and capital taking over the network? Well folks, it is happening right now.
We are all being bottle necked by technology and access. Those who choose to take the leap to asics are paying a hefty premium right now (either in real money terms or risk). We are being middle-maned... Call it a
tax if you will.
In the end, ASICminer will be replaced by another. But, there will always be a hefty tax.