Tim Cook (CEO Apple) is a logistics specialist, so I completely understand why Apple wants to invest in parts sourcing. I don’t know if Scott’s idea is better, but it is more creative and interesting.
One problem that I see in setting up a $10 billion factory in the US is who do you hire to work there? The US has less and less experienced and up to date manufacturing specialists. A huge factory would require a lot of engineering know-how. A smaller factory would gain some good press though. Albeit, has this recent bad press hurt Apple yet? It doesn’t seem so.