I agree with you but this is really a business issue not a startup issue.
Apple killed newton, clones, xserve and other products. I'm sure you can think of more.
Sun killed cobalt servers.
GM killed Oldsmobile, Pontiac etc.
Survival of the fittest. All the warm fuzzy folksy stuff (that you don't see in traditional business - you know things like a dog at the office or free food) means very little in the end. They will do what they need to do to survive.
The difference is (a) most hardware is owned on premises and Sun can't simply walk in your server closet and yank it out, and (b) these companies usually provide support for hardware for a few years after the product is shelved. If I'm not mistaken, auto manufacturers are required to have certain parts/service available for a few years after the production of each model.
With web startups, you get (at best) an email with 90 days notice.
You're right with hardware there are end of life notices that extend for several years. And even third parties that support the equipment. (Of course the software or OS might be a different story.)
But more importantly there is an ongoing concern that has a reputation (not the same with an entire company folding) and the product killed is just a part of many products that are offered. And of course they are charging for something whereas in the case of web startups what they are giving you is free. So there is no "consideration" and as a result I would think they are not subject to any class action lawsuits. How can you sue for something you didn't pay for?
Apple killed newton, clones, xserve and other products. I'm sure you can think of more.
Sun killed cobalt servers.
GM killed Oldsmobile, Pontiac etc.
Survival of the fittest. All the warm fuzzy folksy stuff (that you don't see in traditional business - you know things like a dog at the office or free food) means very little in the end. They will do what they need to do to survive.