This carrier exclusivity thing on the US amuses me.

In the end, consumers are the ones hurt, 'cause it limits the available choices.

Here in Brazil we have regulatory agencies that set up rules against that kind of thing. SIM locking by carriers is also illegal here. (Not actually illegal, but they're legally required to unlock the phones for you without additional cost)

I'm pretty sure a lot of other countries have similar rules, or am I wrong?