[velodrome]

Well, the key selling point for the carriers is that they can do whatever they want with the software without the Ubuntu branding. There is no one breathing down their neck telling them what to do. Naturally, the carriers will screw up thinking more crapware is better. What they really should do is understand less is also better.

If Canonical were smart, they should also work with handset manufacturers on a clean version of their software without all the crap - the Nexus phone approach. When given the option, most people opt for the crap-free phone. I have a feeling that if Canonical does not push this option it could really tarnish their name - like how Microsoft is always associated with viruses and malware.