I can’t think of a multinational corporation that deserves your loyalty in that way. It’s up to you and me to determine if the markup is a brand name premium or a actual measurable quality improvement and direct our spending accordingly. I have had both good and bad luck and sometimes you don’t even get a choice because there’s only one battery option available.

I’m sure the companies would like it to be seen as unethical or even illegal, but most people I know (even older non-internet-savvy people) like having more options than just a greedy OEM for parts and service.

I think you can let your conscious rest easy knowing corporate would feed you headfirst into a meat grinder on Easter Sunday live on national television before they have your best interests at heart.