Vespula: Mind you the cables are only an outhouse compared to Intels skyscrapers but nevertheless it is venturing beyond only brick building.

Yes, agreed, the cables or should I say the VCSEL transceivers are an outhouse and they are indeed venturing beyond brick building. However, building an outhouse seems much more feasible than starting off building a skyscraper.

They needed something to demonstrate their bricks' super-duperosity to the world, and since everyone else was reluctant to use their bricks, they were required to build an outhouse on their own. Luckily they were able to acquire a car port manufacturer who brought in construction tools and experience as well as distributions channels! And even more luckily, there's a strong demand for outhouses!