The point is that there’s nothing in his argument that proves anything – either way (note the LaserDisc mention). HD was selected as a counter because it succeeded while having the same issues (in most cases to a greater degree at the same time in the life cycle); wouldn’t have been much of a point to do it the other way.
New technologies always cost something, are a hassle, and have limited benefit to anyone but the early adopter. Those aren’t markers of a failure in the making, just artifacts of a new technology cutting its teeth on the market.
