Electrical Components

Indeed, but others are playing games too.
I once had the missfortune to work with an odious 'consultant' who had been involved in the consultation/creation of some early telecom specs. Our company employed him on a short contract to help with approvals of a new product.
He proudly said how they'd made the spec' as convoluted as possible and put little useful information in it.
He was a completely full of bull... the team quickly 'turned off' from any dealings with him.

Del

"What, if anything, can end users and consumers do to pressure suppliers into early and enthusiastic embrace of one standard in each product category?"

Complain!

Complainants are all too often seen as whiners! However, it can be constructive if done in the right spirit and not for frivolous reasons.

I was related a story about a company (whose name unfortunately escapes me right now) which made a floor/pavement sweeping machine (called a "goat" I think). Many had been sold in the USA, but the first ones sold in Japan received complaints about a hydraulic leak. The manufacturer (Tenant, I believe was the name) responded and fixed the machines.

The story teller then revealed that no buyers in the USA had ever complained! His point was that we so many times accept poor quality as "normal" instead of pressing the issue.

Most consumers are too pressed for time to complain and get a resolution and manufacturers and "service" providers know that.

Independent standards organizations help, but they can be tainted by companies who man these organizations with individuals vested in the companies themselves.

The ISO 9000 ... standards were a good idea, but I know personally what happens between certifications and no one is looking, it's back to business as was usual very quickly.

Unfortunately, a distortion of specs here and there sometimes add up to injuries and deaths.

It's what we get for allowing corporations to reward exec's and board members to get the "big bucks" without requiring them to be responsible. AND, it's insane to still have to pay to get rid of irresponsible exec's and board members.

Look also at the issue of software. I mean, is there anything that a software company is actually responsible for? Reading Eula's will certainly echo a resounding NO!

Consumers (industry and individuals) too often have gotten the short end of the stick and it becomes the "norm".

Well, I'd better stop, I sure I have earned a "whiner" label by now.