I know from my own experience that even a "slight" modification of a product, in, my case, replacing a belt-drive with a chain -drive can take lots of time and even a huge amount of money, spent in modifying machinery, tooling, training staff, calculating cost, testing, informing, etc... etc...
For Sigma, it is not simply about paying licensing fees, adapting software and replacing the bayonet.
And, the article on (hugely biased and Sony friendly !) PhotoTrend was, in my opinion, more than vague...Nothing concrete!
I may add that I am more than happy with Canon's RF lens range, hoping for a few missing ones like TS and 24-70 II and 35mm f/1,2.
Sure, I wouldn't mind having more 3rd party choices and understand why some reasonably criticise Canon. Not speaking of the aggressive Sony trolls with their redundant and silly Canon-doom statements...
Yet, even in EF times, I've never bought Sigma or Tamron lenses. Only Zeiss (20mm f/2,8), since Canon's UWA were for a long time underwhelming.
I just expressed my personal and very subjective opinion.