As much as i hate network involvement in anything but selling me data and calls, i see how much they are needed
You only have to look at what O2 and AT&T did for apple to make iphone a success to see how far strong operator backing can take something whats new and make it mainstream
network subsidies are a must for majority in North America so i'm happy to see these kind of announcements early.
personally I will always buy sim free from manufacturer but millions don't.