[cmoylan]

If you buy hardware, you should own that hardware and be able to do with it as you please.

[dekz]

"Whoa there buddy, you made your own gravy for that chicken? I don't think so, you have to buy our gravy for your delicious dinner."

[jrockway]

But what if that gravy you made is so healthy and flavorful that it gives you the energy to go on a murder rampage? Clearly being able to make your own gravy is facilitating crime, and must be prohibited.

[mfukar]

Replace 'hardware' with 'anything' and I'd probably still agree with you.

[lnguyen]

Yes. But if you want to continue "support" or receive official updates then you're subject to the whims of the manufacturer/provider. And don't expect them to make it easy for you to do what you will.

[drivebyacct2]

That's not true for lots of consumer products available for sale.

[cmoylan]

It's also not true for most hardware, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be true. I can be hopelessly optimistic with my blanket statements.