Means, probably a reseller (provider) that buys minutes from the carrier(s) and resell them using their own t&c / contractual agreements, often even their own billing.

Or possibly just a carrier contract. In France I bought my N900 from the carephone warehouse, with subsidies, but with a carrier that did not sell it itself. (ie third parties get "cash" subsidies that they can apply on any phone when they sell a contract in behalf of a carrier)

I bet that since selling the N9 in certain countries isn't part of Nokia's strategy, the pricing for the N9 won't be optimal from the point of view of carriers in those countries. In other words, the N9 will be running a race wearing a ball and chain.

Basically Yup.

I popped into my local Orange shop today to see what deals I could negotiate on my contract if I was to buy the N9 sim free. The answer was, rather disappointingly 'we wouldn't do a deal, i'm afraid. you could continue on your contract as-is' - so this looks to be an expensive couple of years for me, phone wise.

Ok, I thought, let's try a different tack - 'are there any plans for Orange to carry the N9?'. 'Hm, I read an article that it isn't even coming to the UK so I think we're pretty unlikely to'.

I really do think we've got an uphill battle if we want carriers in the UK to offer the N9, folks.