Well, they killed a ton of jobs a long time ago with how they run their dealer network. Once four strokes flooded the market 20-25 years ago, just about every small boat shop mechanic was run out of business. They wouldnt sell the diagnostic equipment to non-dealers, they also stopped selling OEM parts to non-dealers, so they were all screwed.
Mercury has and is so popular due to Quicksilver and how they run their brand. I think its a less superior product, but they are more friendly in the marketplace.
You are right, not good for competition, but they somewhat did a lot of it to themselves, plus that FICHT motor.......yuck they really screwed that up too.