it's not like there are many options in the USA to where people just flock to the contract for an iphone. There are ZERO options here unless you're tech savvy to figure out things on your own.
i agree, paying over $100/month for a cell phone is crazy, but sadly there aren't many options here in the US unless you go with Virgin Mobile etc.
There are plenty of options, the problem is that most people are too dumb to get informed and prefer to shiny phone over one that would suit them just fine at a much reduced monthly rate. I love Virgin Mobile, $25 a month for unlimited text, data and 300 mins. which is enough for me since I use nettalk to make calls when I'm at home.
I would gladly trade in my ipod touch and optimus v to trade up to an iPhone, I've lived abroad so paying flat out for my phone is nothing new with a $300 price tag.