I think we're talking more about end user external connections. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that back in the day a bajillion things ran through a DB-9s and DB-25s in electrically incompatible ways and how much easier it got to tech support our families with USB 1 and 2.
I absolutely agree with you that USB 1 and 2 did great things for family IT support.
But now we're at the USB 3 (and seemingly 4) stage of things - hence my "plugging stuff in from the outside go the other way..." statement.
Between varying capabilities offered through USB 3 and cables/hubs/docks that support those varying capabilities it is a bit hit and miss whether plugging stuff in will work or not.
I now know (not yet personally verified, from other comments on this article) Lightning 4 branded cables should support all connectivity possibilities and power delivery. It doesn't solve patchy device support but at least it is one step better. Connect two USB3 devices with a Lightning 4 cable is a bit silly marketing wise but at least it is easy to support.
