Some here seem to be rather delusional how large corporations observe, follow and try to impact and shape internet content and relevant-to-them public opinion. Even more so when it is about B2C / consumer goods. Market Research and Corp Communication Depts would be fired on the spot if they did not.
DPR and CR rumors are the most visible and prominent English-language internet portals and forums as far as Canon imaging products are concerned. products. Canon is watching them, that's for sure. And not all, but quite some of our opinions, wishes, complaints and rants will have direct influence on their product strategy and on specific (future) product's specs.
I am convinced that a few threads and postings on a specific topic have much more (potential) impact and achieve much more with companies like Canon than many 1000 direct contacts via the useless black-hole "contact us" forms on their own websites.
Brand product companies shun nothing more than highly visible, widely distributed "negative vibes" on the net / in public.
Good example is the turning direction of focus and zoom rings on 3rd party lenses. For many decades Sigma, Tamron, Tokina did just as they pleased. But soon after i launched a consequent campaign, massively critizising "wrong turning rings" in many relevant internet portals' comments / forum section with every single new lens announcement, these companies started to match turn direction to mount. They did not care to do so before, although i am sure they also received a good bit of direct feedback on the issue - but only "in private". So they simply ignored it. I called them out in public and they fairly quickly changed things for the better. Just one of my many successful "consumer rights initiatives on the net". No, i am not Russian, don't use fake news and am not responsible for Donald being POTUS ...
We have a lot of power as customers. First and foremost with our wallets / purchasing decisions. And in addition to a similar degree by publicly sharing what we think of companies' products, services, strategies and business practices. It does have enormous influence, even when it often may not immediately lead to noticeable action. Corporations can ignore it, but only at their own, considerable risk. Smart companies take it seriously, see the business opportunities in internet feedback and take adequate steps to "pacify and please" their (potential) customers.
For example: the 3 useful EF to RF adapters. Not least thanks to our "incessant whinging and whining about all the EF glass owned" on the great CR forum. Let's keep it up!
