I think this is simply a consequence of the fact that the technological overlords who wish to oversee all of computing had not had a chance to overly lock down

I think this is simply a consequence of the fact that the technological overlords who wish to oversee all of computing had not had a chance to overly lock down computers just yet (though they certainly wish to do it). Once they inevitably overplay their hand and the average consumer truly loses the ability to run the things he wishes to, you'll start to see a dramatic increase in the consumer's desire for openness.