i gotta disagree, while macs are not that upgradeable, they are one of the most reliable computers out there. I have had my macbook pro and my 27 imac for over 2 years each now and have not had a single problem with either, i also use several at work and have never run into a single problem on any of them. I cant say as much for pcs, in fact pretty much every pc i've had or used has had a problem at some time or other, including those running linux.
I'm also unsure as to where you are getting your information about how the components fit into the macs, ram is not soldered to the motherboard, infact please see here
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1270#link3 for an official link describing how to replace ram in a macbook pro. Ssds and hdds are also replacable, pretty easily too, plenty of videos showing you how to do it online.
The battery is one of the things i'm not bothered about, i have never known anyone to have a problem with a battery on any of their apple products. I may just be lucky, but then i am in contact with a lot of apple products, be it iphones, ipods, macs etc and so the lack of problems means i dont see lack of removeability as a problem.
Anyway as for use, for a gamer yes they are a waste of money, for photographers, musicians, even programmers such as myself they are absolutley fantastic machines and completely destroy any pc/laptop. As many people on here know i have a pretty good pc, id still go back to my mac in an instant for a lot of my programming. The workflow on osx is fantastic in comparison with any windows or linux based os. Everything just works too, never have any hasstle with anything. I use my pc alot for 3d rendering, game design, mobile app design etc and there are always niggly little problems, compatability and the like, things i never have on my mac.
As i say, it depends entirely on what you are using it for. Those who think macs are a waste of money or a rip off, either haven't used it or don't have the need for one, id say they are far from a rip off.