The example was odd.
Far closer an example would be to point out that features and capabilities of Windows do change, and sometime get removed, after updates. If those features were important to you, you may be pretty pissed off, and feeling similar to those here saying DJI has no right to "cripple" the functionality of the software they license to you, both in the aircraft, and on the smart device.
Yet, the circumstances are remarkably similar. With microsoft updates, you are first required to consent to a licensing agreement that gives MS the right to alter Windows in any way they see fit, including removing features and functionality that you may rely on. And they do.
And no one has a prayer of ever getting a lawsuit over this into a courtroom, let alone winning one. Why? Because you surrendered your rights as a condition of accepting updates, and agreed to let Microsoft enhance or cripple the product in any way they see fit.
You have exactly the same thing with the Mavic. Yes, you own the physical aircraft. This is rather settled property and tort law.
However, you never, ever owned the firmware in the drone, RC, and battery. In fact, you had to agree to Terms & Conditions in order for DJI to grant you a license to use that software, and were required to affirmatively notify of your agreement to those terms by using their registration system to let DJI know who you are, and activate the software in the drone.
This too is rather settled law. It is no less acceptable for DJI to do this, than for Samsung to do the same with the firmware running on your smart flatscreen TV (did you know that you licensed that too, and don't own it?) Or your wifi router. Laptop BIOS. And hundreds of other things you own.
There's no argument that something like this is infuriating. However, it's a product of people being lazy and dismissive about things they agree to, believing that somehow in court that will be a viable excuse. It isn't.
As has been pointed out ad nauseum in this forum, no one is being forced to accept these changes in functionality. I'm a living example: I haven't, and so the 30m/50m restriction isn't in my Mavic. There are no circumstances, anywhere on this planet, where I will be restricted as such, because the code necessary to implement it isn't in my Mavic.
Why? Because I read the T&C for the firmware, and did NOT agree to those functionality changes.
I'm all the way back on .400, and at the moment have no reason to flash anything newer. I lack Airplane Mode -- don't care, so not a reasons to upgrade and accept what I DON'T want in the newer firmware. I don't have goggles, so same story.
Goggles may be enough of a feature in the near future to get me to update. But then, it will be my responsibility for accepting these new features that limit functionality of my Mavic, not DJI's.
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