Two words why it's more difficult than it appears - Internet Explorer.
As for the "closedness" of Apple products, I much prefer the polished, stable, and less frustrating user experience that it offers than other "open" products that tend to offer more tweakability & user control in exchange for instability and more frustrating user experience.
In regards to the whole invention issues, inventing is important, but application of said inventions and putting it out in market in usable form is more important, IMO.