I've found that for better or worse, most of the real world involves compromise and taking the good with the bad. So while I'd love Apple to totally open up the iPhone (I'd also like a free yacht) on the balance, I personally choose to have an iPhone instead of a G1 or whatever else. The upside is bigger for me than the downside.
I find this view disappointing. RMS (famously) remarked that he uses open source software, even if there is a superior closed source version because by using it, he can contribute to an open ecosystem.
When I look at the mobile phone market, I am quite willing to use a G1 solely to support the prospect of a handset that I can control. The more people use an iPhone because it is epsilon better, the less companies will be inclined to give users freedom.
The difference between an open iPhone and a free yacht is cost. A free yahct would cost someone money. An open iPhone would save Apple money (no need to pay app store reviewers, etc.)
