As much as I admire the FOSS nature, it's always the problem of underspeccing and overpricing the tech at the same time.
"overpricing" is often higher cost of parts at lower quantity, future R&D and other costs that are much higher than for big corporation.
Underspeccing is specific to mobile industry. But I agree with you here. Going for premium specs is a better way to start. But they'll have to pick a specs that works for them the company and can reach maximum people. So I also acknowledge that it's tough.