Regarding Speculator and earlier software which used the TrackMaster TMPP file, they were small potatoes users of a data file which was/is in much much larger circulation to users of other software (including TM's own), so although it would have been nice (and polite) to not screw up anyone, Sartin users (at the time) counted less, in the larger scheme (in my view) than the other 99% of consumers of that Speed Rating figure.
That said, TrackMaster did NOT want to make the change - it was forced by Equibase for perceived marketing and competitive reasons. Also, they gave a half-year advance notice to software developers (including Guy Wadsworth, who programmed Speculator), but Guy deemed it inconsequential (a mistake).
Perhaps most importantly, Doc was making a highly non-standard use of TM's Speed Rating and Daily Track Variant (for adjusting and equalizing call times) and, while they helped him understrand how to make this use, after Doc dropped out of the picture (and after asking Guy), they figured if anyone was really impacted by this Speed Rating scale change, well, someone would let them know...
However, your observation about going directly to Equibase (or to Equibase's data sales division, which is TrackMaster) is a precient one! That's what I did for RDSS - I asked for data dedicated to my specific software program, controlled and guaranteed not to change without notice, thow in a few extra data goodies (accurate ITVs, daily result charts, real-time mutuels), charge a reasonable price. Make a realistic business case, appear technically competent, focused on the long term: ask and it is given! After a short while now, RDSS will begin using that new data file.
I think Doc could have asked for the same thing years ago, but I don't think his business model allowed for hiring the programming expertise to make the whole process happen and be sustainable over the long term.
I agree the whole Feb 2006 fiasco was a slap in the face and should NEVER have been allowed to happen. I think TrackMaster (and Equibase) are much more aware now of the growing body of Sartin-oriented software users who are or who could possibly become their customers (as evidenced by their righteous treatment of Bill and Richie re complimentary data accounts). As with many areas of endeavour, it just takes an advocate, a liason, a constant contact, an understanding of mutuality: how can we help each other.
Sounds like a good philosophy to me.
Hope that answered the underlying question.
Ted