Maybe the dive computer with download is not an essential to diving, but neither is the snorkel or the compass or BC. Sea Hunt didn't wear a BC, he might have had a compass! OK, OK but the point is that it is FUN to download the information and view on the PC/MAC. It is not at all baloney since we/I use download banking, direct deposit, online bill payment. It is part of the fun of this generation and technology. When I am not diving or working it seems I am on this board and if I had a USB cable for my Atmos 2 I would also be looking at my previous dives and thinking about my next ones.
Anyway, I agree, they want too much for what should be part of a package. I like the Economics angle as taught but in practice, the law of supply and demand doesn't carry the weight it used to. We are more demand regardless of supply. Gas prices prove that, we pay what they charge and they know it!
Happy diving all!