Very possible, but I think its more a case of maximizing Sony's bottom line! PROFIT.
I'm sure that profit was involved at some stage
Options include;
Fitting the internal minimum flash storage, components etc. required in the camera (minimise unit price)
Not keeping software teams active for 'older' models (minimise staff costs / maximise resource available for new projects)
Deliberately not retrofitting improvements to increase take up of new models
All are driven by profit, but only the last could be attributed to greed!
(I'm not claiming the last isn't the reason, but just pointing out there are other possibilities)