The idea that Apple is doing something unique here is ridiculous. My call history arrives in the mail to me each month. That record is probably kept indefinitely and is easily available by subpoena.

I totally agree. If one is a serious photographer or film maker, packing your data onto a digital back-up is a waste of time, effort, and diversion from your stated goal. Finish the project, get it into analog or multiple distributed digital formats. A file is a not a photograph.