Apple, IMO is the perfect (current) example of a company that listens, but doesn't let users/fans design their products. The people working within Apple have vision and execute it very well.

The Boxee design is frankly all over the map. I feel doubly like a fool because I first championed the WDTVLive box and then the Boxee. Now both are coming up short. At least with the WDTVLive it was an entry-level solution with an entry-level price. Boxee is very steep for the current level of polish. If they expect the users to design and test, the boxes should at least be free as compensation. Obviously that would never happen, but I thought I'd just put the ridiculousness of the current situation into perspective.