Intel Corp (INTC)

[Elmer Phud]

If the competitor's product is lower performance or less efficient, that goes along with that choice.

It goes way beyond that. The competitor's products could be less reliable. Their execution to schedule could stink. Their ability to supply in volume may be limited and inconsistent. Their technical support may be sub par. Their reference platforms could be inferior. Their marketing co-payments may be non existent. Their product roadmap may be uninspiring. Their process roadmap may be delayed. The list goes on. Our apologist friends would never consider these possibilities because "parts is parts".

Think Walmart.