Yeah, I always figured Sony says "make us this" and 10 companies hop up and say "how many". Seems like Sony would be the one to be making this particular decision. Obviously because it's cheaper, but it's not like this is some off-brand bargain basement panel. Not only is it a Sony, it's an XBR. The cost savings of going with an annoying external power supply should be immaterial to providing an XBR-grade product. Save that for the cheaper lines.

Sony isn't the power house they use to be. Over the last several years, they have been making huge changes and losing money.
They completely sold off SOE (Sony Entertainment Online) to Daybreak. They sold off several of their manufacturing plants, having 3rd parties build stuff now.
All this has been a bad sign for Sony for a long time. The day their product goes to complete crap, I'll jump ship - I am expecting it some day soon. Until then, I'll keep using it as it is good.
When that day comes, it will truly be a sad day. A long legend in the electronics industry going to crap. Not that they were ever at the high-end but they always had good stuff (for most of their lines - not all). And a true star product every now & then.

It isn't the 1st time a long time electronics giant has bit the dust. It won't be the last.

its not the case. it is strictly based on the fact that the power supply is the most likely part to fail. it also allows a standard tv design and only having to change the power supply for international models, etc.