Yeah, it's best to get one of the more "open" devices if you want support from the community for a long time, and it helps if it's higher end, too, but even if it's low-end it should at least be a popular one.
For example, Galaxy Ace and LG Optimus One were very popular, and they're getting even the latest version of Android for them with CM. And last I checked JB was very fast on them. I also have JB on my own HTC Legend, which was also one of the most locked down phones ever. I went through a lot of trouble, and even had it "bricked" (not final) while trying to unlock it. But now I run a JB CM10 rom on it pretty well.
Not sure what that has to do with it, unless it was just a general complaint that no one develops anything for your phone. If the kernel for your device has been released, you can build vanilla AOSP fairly easy by pulling the general AOSP source matching your latest OTA and also pulling the proprietary drivers from your phone and building the kernel.
There's some guides out there on how to do it, but would have to look around for something specific.
Of course that also means you have to have an unlocked bootloader as well or the above is kind of moot.
It was more of a general complaint. I have a Kyocera Rise, and it's locked down pretty well. The fact that it's a fairly unpopular budget phone doesn't help.
The kernel was released... But I don't think I have the patience to try porting something myself.
For example, Galaxy Ace and LG Optimus One were very popular, and they're getting even the latest version of Android for them with CM. And last I checked JB was very fast on them. I also have JB on my own HTC Legend, which was also one of the most locked down phones ever. I went through a lot of trouble, and even had it "bricked" (not final) while trying to unlock it. But now I run a JB CM10 rom on it pretty well.