How many of the core devs don't work for Google? How much of the overall project direction is decided by people who have nothing to do with Google?

Saying "it's open, so they don't really control it" is like saying Linus doesn't have control of the Linux kernel.

Maybe google will figure out how to make an Android style play and hold this OS hostage by withholding their services.

> If anything, this will result in less power over the Linux kernel for Google. It seems like that’s something you’d appreciate.

Yes.