Obviously yes.

> Smart TVs usually are limited by their OS and encumbered by licensing that locks down what can be loaded. This mostly is because of decoding legalities

It's because of DRM. Nothing here benefits the customer.

> Who becomes liable if your privacy, assets, or even the device, are compromised because you were able to load software not vetted?

You, the owner, of course.

> Do you want a world where you need a virus scan program for your phone?

Like on Android?

> I look at it this way, you have a choice in what you buy

You don't. That's the whole point of walled gardens, taking that choice away from you.