[bilbo0s]

>in the hopes that it will let them use the apparatus of government to hobble said competitor in any way without repercussions

This is the problem nowadays. We can't really trust anybody. The threats to our privacy and freedoms are coming from every quarter.

And the worst part is,

that some of the people and organizations telling us about the threats to our freedoms and privacy, are, in fact, likely the biggest threats to our freedoms and privacy.

[logicprog]

I'm not exactly sure what you think the threats are, but it doesn't matter. This is a very correct sentiment! Well said.