Instead they've created a world where I specifically avoid phones (Samsung for example) because their software is so awful and bloated (not to mention ugly).

And lagging behind in terms of core OS updates. My last phones were Nexus phones and a Moto X because I knew they would get updates really quick (or quickish for the Moto X). I don't even want to try my luck with other vendors.

Yep, this is why I will never buy a non-Nexus phone.

Also, good lord Samsung's UX is just plain ugly. Everything about it, including layouts, color schemes, etc., makes me feel queasy. Their design aesthetic is why I go out of my way to avoid everything they make.

Ask those TI users how much having a Nexus helped.

Google has no process in place how to support their customers if an OEM breaches contract.

People already know that all the software is equal -- or that the vendor's software is worse than stock. Which is what's killing them.

They're hardware vendors trying to compete on software. How about trying to compete on hardware?

Which is different from the current situation how?