D9  Considering the camera companies themselves don't include software compatible with Macs to handle RAW files, I'd say that's the proverbial "kettle calling the pot black."

Since Apple sells iPhoto and Aperture, they're only obligated to enhance such software...not camera manufacturers' software.  
(Version 2.5)

AAG  You're contradicting yourself. Yes, Apple is only obligated to upgrade iPhoto and Aperture. But iPhoto is a part of the OS, is it not?

Again, imagine MS decided that to use the latest and greatest Win Media Player, you'd have to pay $100 (which is roughly the cost of iLife, afaik).

IMO, Apple can't have it both ways. If iPhoto is part of the OS, it should be upgraded to support new formats. If iPhoto is a standalone app, that somehow ends up bundled with the OS, where are all the people that wanted to sue MS for including the IE as part of the Win95?  
(Version 2.5)

FOLLEREC  I think you're confused.

iPhoto is bundled with Macs, yes. But iPhoto isn't integrated into Mac OS X. You get it for free when you get a Mac.

IE is bundled with Windows, yes. It is also integrated into Windows as part of the operating system.

Here's something you can try... delete iPhoto. Move it to the Trash. Empty your Trash. Reboot. Your OS still works? Good. Now if you want iPhoto back, reinstall it from your restore discs that come with your Mac. No need to reinstall. Just install iPhoto.

Now try this... uninstall IE. I mean not just using the "Set Program Access and Defaults" thing. Use the "Add or Remove Programs" in Control Panel. Well?

Anyway, what was your problem again? Ah, updating things to be able to preview RAW in Finder... are you talking about thumbnails or QuickLook? If QuickLook, ask your camera manufacturer to develop the QuickLook plugin for their format. Or try to look for something generic, maybe UFRaw QuickLook plugin. For thumbnails... I don't think it's Apple's responsibility to generate thumbnails for all possible formats in Finder, especially if the main application for the format isn't installed. That's just me. You don't have to agree with me.  
(Version 2.5)

CHAS_M  To put it mildly, you're a bit confused.

1. RAW is not a universal format -- there are different types of RAW (many, actually). Apple's products and OS both ship with the ability to read the most common RAW files, but manufacturers keep changing/tweaking the format, requiring (FREE!) updates.

2. iPhoto is only a "paid" product if you're somehow not using a Mac. It's included on all Mac hardware. Upgrades are "paid" products, however.

3. Apple is under NO legal obligation to provide compatibility for these additional, new RAW formats -- this should properly be the responsibility of the maker of these formats, usually the camera manufacturers themselves. They should provide compatibility for both major platforms (as well as Linux, but as there's no money in doing so I can kind of see why they don't). But because Apple wants professional photographers to use the Mac platform, they provide compatibility at their own expense *as a courtesy.*

Finally, if you want QuickLook capability for the various RAW formats, you'll have to talk to the manufacturers -- Apple can't provide everything for what amounts to a teeny tiny percentage of its customers.  
(Version 2.5)