Nailed it. Some of these flights had intentionally took away the entertainment system to NOT only save space, but to reduced a hefty amount on copyrights, maintenance, and last but not least - extra heat from electrical power consumption.
That onboard meal look average, but the portion looks quite handsome imo. Paper cup wine... Yulk 🤣
Never been to Taiwan airport, according to your description, it's just similar to another commercial airport in my mind. Not enough seats. And the steel plated seat with rough breathing hole that will print a mark on my butt cheek through my jeans and underpants, for utilizing it more than 5 minutes. USB charging port that is so low that one need to asian squat to check the charging progress. Duty free shops that sells premium brands at a discount price that similar to normal retail price in town. Extremely slow water dispenser machine. Normally McDonald's is NOT available in the departure hall, or they will have to sell at fast food at fine dining price. Shall we call them fine fast food?
I think this is just the norm in any sort of hub airport. I don't know who these people are that believe that the prices in the airport are actually lower because like you pointed out, I have no noticed any meaningful level of discount on anything that I have even looked at. I suppose the only benefit that I can think of would be that if it is in an airport and for sale, it is the genuine article... no funny business with knock-off merch.