I think the perspective you describe -- that one should be able to purchase and own a device with a certain set of inherent functions, without being beholden to

I think the perspective you describe -- that one should be able to purchase and own a device with a certain set of inherent functions, without being beholden to a third party supplier of software/services -- is probably the best one in terms of consumer interests. Completely divorcing the idea of 'essential functions' from the nature of the device is a dangerously slippery slope, and you're starting to see it creep into things like automotive sales: things that many manufacturers have treated as basic features like CarPlay and Android Auto are now subscription features with some 'premium' brands. And with VW pushing to make driver-assist features a pay-per-hour subscription...how long will it be before simple vehicle diagnostics and other high-value features end up paywalled behind a monthly subscription plan?