i think that’s nonsense. And so do you, which is why your last sentence proves your first one as nonsense. The major companies like shimano, sram, campagnolo do most of their R&D around racing. Pro racing affects product development and product development affects pro racing. For the most part, everything else is just trickle down and consumer adaptation. We the consumer, ultimately decide what becomes obsolete. Since no manufacturer can force you to purchase anything, they have no incentive to purposely make things obsolete. But if they see trends moving away from certain things it’s in their interest to respond with the products that are being desired.Triples came into fashion because they were at the time, the best way to get the widest possible set of ratios. They fell out of favour with 10-11 and now 12 spd cassettes. Both drivetrains types have positives and negatives, but simply put: most people find a 1x11 with 40+ largest sprocket drivetrain a better option than a 3x drivetrain. The modern 1x systems were essentially created by people adapting road and mtb systems together to create new drivetrains for gravel, cx, touring, adventure and ‘all-road’ cycling. I.e. taking road bikes to new places. This also created the demand for frames with more clearence and the resurgence of 650b (27.5) wheels on road bikes. manufacturers like sram responded with its xx1 and eagle. Shimano responded by mixing their mtb and road component designs to make them more versatile. Now we have a dura ace derailleur near identical to XTR and an XTR 12 spd. Where in any of this can you point to purposeful obsoletion? Or wanting you to scrap your triple? They aren’t obligated to continue providing you specifically what you want forevermore, simply because you don’t feel the need to upgrade. But if the demand is there, you can bet they’ll make it, example: dura ace 7600 track hubs.