So you're arguing Apple and Google should be gatekeepers of digital content instead, with their own currency and every purchase having your personal details and all?

Many Android apps are just Trojans to send home your address and calling lists, or to otherwise track you.

Telcos aren't saints (in fact they're greedy as sin) but at least have to play by the rules for a regulated market with standardized protocols. Deprecating open protocols not only hits SMS spammers but also limits your freedom as both publisher and consumer.

>Anyone remember the days when if you wanted to set a song as your ring tone you had to buy it again?

That was annoying, but not as sinister as you expect. With garageband, you could make custom ringtones out of your music files. It was cumbersome, but it was possible.