Didn't read the whole thread, but all I see is another reason why carrier subsidies suck. Apple doesn't care who pays for the phone, you or ATT. On the other hand, ATT absolutely wants you to go through them and lock you into a contract and make money from the hardware. That's why you basically pay the same price for your plan whether you get a phone from them or not.
Hopefully one day everyone will be buying unlocked phones from any retailer they like, and not from carriers. Do you get a subsidized computer from your home internet provider? Of course not, that's ridiculous. You buy any computer you like full price, then get an ISP separately. Should be the same for phones and cell service.
Hopefully one day everyone will be buying unlocked phones from any retailer they like, and not from carriers. Do you get a subsidized computer from your home internet provider? Of course not, that's ridiculous. You buy any computer you like full price, then get an ISP separately. Should be the same for phones and cell service.