[TylerE]

That is a gross misinterpretation of the role of government. The government exists for the common welfare, but that doesn't mean it's a consumer advocate.

P.S: I think it fair to suggest that what the majority of consumers want is the cheapest possible phone. That means locked phones on subsidies.

[akarpenko]

It's the original role and the most important one. However it has evolved into more roles, obviously.

Regarding your second point, the assumption is that the government is rational. Adult-like and not child-like.