Watching various materials from the history of the PlayStation, I came to the conclusion that we were dealing with a fluke. A few people with shared desires were lucky enough to have a console created. As you said, it was imperfect, after unsuccessful discussions with major players. However, gamers aren't unique, especially console players. You have a console that can run many new games, but with certain limitations—that's enough for us. Sony provides enormous freedom for developers. Publishing Nintendo games is associated with higher costs and restrictions that Sony doesn't face (as you safely know, cartridge production was limited, and the disc quickly dominated the market despite its initial setup).

As for data storage, I have nothing to add, because you've exhausted the topic. While larger gamers could afford it (apparently, Nintendo archived all its games despite several bouts of bankruptcy, or so I heard a few months ago), for smaller players, every cent counts, so... And it's good you mentioned those auctions. Lots of people don't realize what artifacts they have lying around. Sometimes you can buy a real treasure for less than the price of an average, average-quality kebab. A friend of mine from the UK once bought the entire collection of some super-famous band from the '80s or '90s. An exclusive edition, barely touched, just dusty. The Englishman didn't know what he was selling and needed the cash to pay off a debt. My friend took it, refurbished the packaging, and sold it on eBay for many times that amount.