I don't understand the logic here. An "avid apple user" went with an Android phone despite the apparent strong emotional connection she has with the Apple experience. How is that not something to worry about?

Because in the end Apple can always lower their price to Android level and own the entire market, because they have the better product. Beyond that, the public sees Apple as the coveted device, and Android as the "good enough" device. Apple is the leader, Android is the follower. A company in this position is going to have the most success introducing new products and new variations of products, since they have the most goodwill.