I think it is crazy all the negative things being said. Bottom line, if you do not like the way Apple does business then don't buy an iPhone. If you don't want to abide by what they want don't buy an iPhone. Up front you know what iPhones have to offer so it is your choice, take it or leave it. I like what iPhone has to offer to me. It suits my needs. If it didn't I wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
I think this is a counterproductive argument. Yes, we all have choices and we can make those choice freely, but only within the context and limitations which larger corporations create for their own benefit. Discussing this, and critiquing Apple for their practices is important, just like critiquing and questioning the world in general leads to changes and progress. If we always default to a 'take it or leave it' attitude, what do we gain and how do things change? I'm sure all of those here who are defending APple's choice would have been just as happy if Apple had sold their iphone unlocked to everybody? Then everybody would be happy and customers could choose the carrier they want based on what that carrier offers - things like visual voicemail, for example. Those who wanted extra software could add that, while those who like the way apple does things could just leave their phone the way they are. Everybody would win. Now look at the messs!