It absolutely is abuse. Service degradation pushed through system updates which cannot be opted out of. Charging premiums over utilities that its consumers are already paying for. It is a predatory business model, nothing less.

I can think of three reasons why someone would opt into that, as opposed to "buying an unlocked computer system". The first being lacking the technical knowledge to understand that your machine is sold to you pre-compromised. The latter two being exclusive titles and the fact that your social circle may coax you into that platform, both of which throw "personal choice" out of the window.

This isn't just about video games either. My career field doesn't require me to use Gillette razors.

In any case, if there isn't a legal distinction between a monopoly that forms through incidence and one that was purposefully designed and planted into an already thriving market, there ought to be.