If by "most people" you mean "most Americans." That is pretty standard in Europe

Fair point. I meant, "most people I know working in America".

I can confirm for a certain very large enterprise that this is not the case. The employees ARE on the books of the company and considered full time employees with full benefits, and the software is custom built for this enterprise, by this enterprise, and not shared with any other enterprises

I feel better working at a company when the support staff are also working for the same company.

Good, they want you not asking a single question, your paycheck obviously requires it.

I don't see how this follows

Apple being Apple

Yeah, like I don't think ARA could build a mobile app for ordering at a cafeteria, period.

Exactly