> Why would Lenovo do this? I don't know for sure, [..]
> [..] due to a statement from a Lenovo rep [..] It's unclear what this is meant to mean. [..]

Thanks for the insight in the mechanics of the problem,
but as you state yourself your explanation of Lenovo's intent
is also just an assumption.
Therefore we can't know for sure the real reason for Lenovo's
actions.

> [..] That increases support costs. For a consumer device, why would you want to? [..]

Then Lenovo should switch to selling bricks. They have even less support costs.