Apple feels compelled to charge you money

But the rationale offered as to why they are charging it is completely nonsensical:

The nominal distribution fee for the 802.11n software is required in order for Apple to comply with generally accepted accounting principles for revenue recognition, which generally require that we charge for significant feature enhancements, such as 802.11n, when added to previously purchased products
(Lynn Fox - Apple spokesperson)

I had to read that a few times. Firstly, when did a "generally accepted ... principle" require anyone to do anything? Secondly, since when did Apple start publicly admitting that it was doing something because "well that's what everyone else does"?? Perhaps Apple should start making OS X more complex so as to comply better with the generally accepted principle that computers are hard to use?

I'm speechless.

Update: Seems it is not going unnoticed by the press: WSJ: Apple Gets a Bruise by Blaming A $1.99 Fee on Accounting Rules