[nitrogen]

Allow me to propose an alternative argument to those I've seen thus far: Apple is regarded by hackers with disfavor because they compete in ways that are incompatible with the hacker essence.

First, hackers value independence and the freedom of creation above most else. Apple's use of the legal system amounts to denying the right of others to create, due to arguably trivial similarities with Apple's own derivative creations.

Second (and this is the new point I want to raise), Apple's marketing centers on creating a "magical" ethos around their products. Hackers, as die-hard rationalists, regard appeals to magical thinking as manipulative and morally reprehensible. Thus, even when Apple isn't litigating, they're still "cheating" by using something other than pure reason to win.