If you can install any app on the free version, though, why not just install GMail etc? Perhaps not an officially sanctioned app, but I'm sure you could find/make one that would get the job done.

I guess I don't really get where the tension is in the three options. Usually, e.g., you get more options but have to pay more. He seems to hint that handset makers and carriers trade autonomy for more polished software, but doesn't really make it clear.