Well, FLAC existed long before ALAC, so that's not likely the cause. Rumor is ALAC use is about content licensing and encrypted streaming across Airport Express and eventually Apple TV. Who knows? I really don't get complaining about companies using one lossless over another. It used to be Monkeys Audio users (and a lesser extent SHN people) arguing against FLAC. Now it's FLAC against ALAC. In the end lossless conversion is about as painless as can be. Seems there are other things to worry about. Hell, I spend more time correcting tags.