How could a device that was limited via community accepted microeconomics be considered a failure?

I'd be more willing to state that the intended handoff of the assets from Nokia to the community and the communication of how it was going to happen has been the failure.

The devices are basically dead. Nokia sold them, no longer supports them, no longer builds them (all but the N9 that is). It's now a fight over the software, OS, the closed bits (losing battle there) and how this community would be able to update, continue support that's in question now.

And it's not looking too well.