I would say phones are a different matter altogether. You could buy the latest model and 5 months later there are 3+ better / newer models than what you got. Difference is the lifespan of phones today are 1 - 2 years and all of my favorite apps will work on whatever model I have. Consoles on the other hand (PS in particular) have us buying expensive consoles to buy expensive games, then re-buying them for newer models.

I think Sony / Microsoft do take their clients' thoughts into consideration, since their target market is a sensitive group in general and the majority of their clients are notorious for whining about absolutely everything / generally being very opinionated. I think they know that loyalty is as outdated as Mxit and if they piss off their clients, they will surely move to competitor consoles. I've been a Sony boy all my life, but if Sony starts pumping these things out like it's going out of fashion, I would rather move to a competitor that stands by its products until it's time for the next gen step, even if only because it will be cheaper on the pocket.