I don't care how it came about, if anything that is irrelvant. All I know is that right now it exists and it seriously screws me over. You can quote legal stuff at me if it is or isn't a true monopoly by the legal definition but don't piss on my back and tell me its raining. Currently I have no choice as a consumer, Fractal enforces this and that makes it a monopoly AFAIC. That is bad, period! And people who do not suffer from it and get to enjoy all the fun deals that Fractal offers you shouldn't tell others who don't get it that's not so bad or that its not a real monopoly.
For the record, I have always said this is a very good product, and that Fractal's dedication to keep on providing updates even to obsolete products is outstanding. This puts them shoulders above other companies. But its sale policy sucks to anyone who doesn't live in the US. I noticed the same behavior with buildyourownclone pedals, who also refuse to sell directly to customers outside of the US. It's like US companies have this blind spot in regards that there is a world outside of the US. And if this is more widespread its no wonder that the 21st century will most likely be a Chinese century. Because they do look outside their own borders. By the way, in the case of buildyourownclone they at least had multiple European dealers, allowing a customer some choice in shopping for the best bargain.