Perhaps the solution here is for people not to tie themselves to an operating system that allows exactly one hardware provider and one source of software. The fact that people don't see how that generally ends astounds me. If you want choice, Apple shouldn't even be a consideration.
I still use a 4S because 4" really is the best size for my small hands. I had a 5 for a while but downgraded because I was constantly almost dropping the phone while "shimmying" to reach the upper-left corner (where the back button is typically located).