>Why did Sony keep creating such hard-to-code-for devices and yet end up with such a monstrous install base?
I'd say it's because when the developers learned how to make the best out of the PS2/PS3 hardware, the results were better than that of the competing hardware.
Since that's a heavily subjective thing to attempt to measure I would have to say it was more than just that. Marketing, exclusives, and brand loyalty would have much to do with it.
In fact that is the sole reason I own a PS3. After a couple weeks of rave reviews of The Last of Us I bought a PS3 and a copy of the game. I'd say it was worth it.
I'd say it's because when the developers learned how to make the best out of the PS2/PS3 hardware, the results were better than that of the competing hardware.