and walking out your'd have to deal with the consequences of when you're going to get the updates.
and yes that option is perfect who change phones like they change underwear.
I brought my L630 (2 weeks after it was launched) for 11000 INR which amounts to 176.5 USD. (well under my budget as of now as im currently unemployed)
I like to buy stuff instead of renting.
okay now that you mentioned that
"When cell phones are your hobby or main interest, it's great being able to do that, instead of having to purchase a budget 630 with 512mb of ram."
I don't think a hobbyist would buy a carrier locked device and walk out of the store keeping in mind that all the future updates/new features it is going to get is decided by the carrier and not by the phone manufacturer.
Even though I own a budget L630 with 512mb ram, I can breathe freely because no one except Microsoft/Nokia decide on when I get updates to my phone.
I can get my updates instantly when they push it out, unlike have to wait for months/years to get it on a carrier locked phone.
I don't think "phone enthusiasts" would like to get their updates delayed.
Oh ! I missed a point
"A locked phone usually comes with a subscriber contract that ties the user down to this network provider for one or two years. The reason why most major carriers "lock" the phone is because they subsidize its cost to entice customers to buy them. To earn back the lost revenue, they lock the subscriber in a contract."
Oh and talking about budget, I buy my phone according to what features I need. Sometimes going high end is not what you really need.
FYI 'most' people buy high end phones just to show off !