Giving users the ability to make backups of their data certainly does not mean they will actually do so. How many Gmail users actually keep full backups of their email (using POP or IMAP or whatever)? And if Gmail had a case of massive data loss tomorrow, do you really think saying "well, you could've made a backup just fine" would have somehow made everything okay?
I don't deny that this sort of data loss is pretty awful, but "data liberation" is not the solution.
"Data Liberation", as in educated users, is the solution.
You back up your data because no cares as much about your data as you do (repeat...). It's like basic hygene. In the future, few people will be actual computer experts but everyone will know a few things. Backing up data will be one of them. A large enough density of people who understand this will mean those who will lack excuses - see main story!
Before, if a phone didn't work, it was one of a few things, usually the device or the carrier. Now, it's one of a dozen dozen or more products and services. People couldn't export before. They might be able to now.
A friend of mine once noted the subtle difference between how technology can protect you from failure, but a backup can help protect you from yourself.
It feels like we're moving towards a singularity. Expectations, responsibility and technology.