Phantom Power

Here is a link to an article on phantom power. The problem they are talking about is what we spent the extra time and money on for an "all off switch." Does this mean we spent $$$ on an "all off switch" when not necessary? We don't think so because we still have all these gadgets that were produced before these regulations come into effect (if they come into effect at all):
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090513.wgadgetsstaff0513/BNStory/Technology/home