You hear occasional negative press about Jobs, but I believe those in the position to know understand that Jobs has a vision of where he wants to go and how to do it which many admire and some don't get.

If there is no leadership, direct or indirect, people will recognize that. The results, as posted, do not surprise me at all.

The assertion that keeping Apple from collapsing faster than "house" of cards in a gale force wind can only be achieved through finding a better CEO than Jobs is somewhat ridiculous.

Finding one as good, or even almost as good, would also keep the cards standing.

The same goes for "No company should be tied to the CEO to that degree."

What specific degree are you referring to? Your own understanding of what that degree is, or something you fear to be the case?
Is it possible the company has many quality managers and employees and will continue to churn out innovative solutions for quite some time after Jobs leaves?

By your own argument, a new CEO would cause Apple to fail? How would they not be tied to that CEO then?

Aren't most companies' success or failure tied to their CEO? Point to some that aren't. Honestly.

If there are innovative companies that are growing in spite of a mediocre CEO, how would this be any different?

Oh, and how is Apple already on the verge of collapse?

I heard Jobs threaten to beat anyone within an inch of their lives with an old NeXT keyboard if they gave him a bad rating.

No. Not really. But that would be great though.

You hear occasional negative press about Jobs, but I believe those in the position to know understand that Jobs has a vision of where he wants to go and how to do it which many admire and some don't get.

But being in charge isn't just about 'having a vision'. You need to have the capability to express your vision, handle people as people, and not just cattle, etc. And it certainly doesn't hurt to have a built-in RDF to squelch any improper thought.

"It's already on the verge of collapse and he hasn't even left."

Ballmer, is that you?

The naysayers have been predicting Apple's imminent demise for over 30 years. And they haven't been right yet.

Yes, Apple's stock is down substantially from its high -- name me any significant stocks that haven't suffered the last couple of years.

Yes, they've had some product defects recently and could stand to step up on quality control. Name me a major manufacturer who hasn't recalled products.

Apple has currently got their best product line in history. They've got a bigger market share than they've had since ... well as long as I can remember. People are looking for a reliable alternative to Vista, and Apple is looking better all the time.

And they're one of the very few companies that, even in this economy, has no corporate debt and is in fact sitting on billions of dollars in cash.

I think the big difference is most CEO's now a days come from the get rich quick background. They have no respect for the amount of work, blood, sweat and tears comes with earning real money.