It's not the form factor, it's the pricing structure. Most phones are "free" with contract or very near to it. It's difficult to complain about something you're

It's not the form factor, it's the pricing structure. Most phones are "free" with contract or very near to it. It's difficult to complain about something you're getting for "free". Now look at off-contract phones. I have a Dev Edition Moto X. I unlocked and rooted my phone with official tools provided by Motorola. I paid for the phone in full. I wouldn't have bought it unless I got a device that I completely owned. If you want hardware that you can completely own and control, you can buy it. Most people simply choose not to.