@grote
> the few apps that still have developers motivated to develop for a user-base willing to put up with this

I look at it this way:

One market of SoCs that support a single bodged together Linux kernel fork. Two separate but related app ecosystems. The people that are fine with Google Play Android are subsidizing the cost of my hardware.

@grote "wait a day" -- PITA. I understand where they're coming from, in terms of CYA and psychology, but that feels like when telcos mess around with you and refuse to carrier-unlock phones you own.