As Google faces antitrust action in many jurisdictions, I hope one of them grants us full control over the devices that we have purchased, especially when they are abandoned or otherwise the victims of neglect.
Years later, I tried to install LineageOS and hit the "Flashing Unlock is not allowed" error. It turns out that Google ships warranty-refurbished Pixel 2s with permanently locked bootloaders. No solution, no apology, no indication that it won't happen again:
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pixel+2%22+%22flashing+un...
Should have opened a small claims lawsuit for the cost of the phone and sue them. It's easy to show the judge "I bought this phone and can use it with any carrier, and when warranty at Verizon was done with it, can no longer use it anywhere other than Verizon"
You simply materially did not get the same (or refurbished) product you brought in.
I have several Android devices where this is not possible, and bringing this requirement to the rest of the Android ecosystem is our "right to repair."
Assuming this remains the case, do not buy Pixels from Verizon.
This sort of lockdown is equivalent to selling someone a car, but not providing them the keys - Oh, you wanted to start your car? Just call us and we'll do it for you.
It would be utterly unacceptable to call that ownership for most other physical items, and we shouldn't allow companies to sell hardware with digital locks if the owner isn't provided a key.
I don't mind the lock (just like I want my car to have a lock) but I damn sure better have a key.