Google: carriers should give Android users freedom to unlock bootloader

Google at some stage had to decide whether they wanted the carriers' cooperation or the the full openness. I don't really blame them for choosing market traction but for exactly those reasons I will buy an iPhone next time as I'm very unhappy with my T-Mobile branded HTC phone. (I fell into the trap of thinking that all Android phones will be rootable, about a year ago when that wasn't so well known).

If I have the choice of bending over in front of Apple or T-Mobile I choose Apple. You'll probably say that I should get a Nexus [One|S] but the entire episode has left a bad taste in my mouth.

If it's really the carriers demanding bootloader lockdowns why is it impossible for me in Europe to get those phones unlocked if I buy them without subsidy? I think it is also the manufacturers who are responsible.

Correction: Phone producers should sell their phones detached from the teat that is a dedicated carrier and let users decide which network they want to use it on.