Oh, I agree. I wrote a response to one of the idiot's articles on that very point. Hardware (the iPhone) and a consumable in that device (the battery) are two very different things for lifetime considerations.
Apple specifies the differences in its user agreements and warranties. The idiot ignores that.
My original iPhone, purchased on June 29, 2007, was in continual use for almost eight years with its original battery as it was handed down through various family members until it wound up with my three year old granddaughter as a non-cellular WIFI only, iPod Touch device. . . and was still retaining about 50% charge. That particular device's battery was rated to hold between 350 to 500 cycles before reaching 80%.
I also pointed out that according to Kantar's US statistics the average iPhone user replaces their iPhone every 25 months. Interestingly, the average Android phone user replaces their phones every 18 months. That goes against the meme that iPhone users are always upgrading to the latest and greatest iPhones. . .
hahahahahaaha. just noticed that.