The real problem here is that apple should be listening to their consumers who are obviously saying we dont want the ipod touch, we want an iphone with no contract. And judging by the numbers this seems somewhat substantial. Instead of being jerks they should release the product like the people want. Instead they choose to restrict access to it! I know a lot of people who wont switch to apple regardless of how good it is because of apples smug, you will do as we say, attitude. They really need to lose the attitude.
I wonder what the world would be like if/when apple becomes a bigger player in the different markets. Will we be told how we can use our stuff? Will we not have certain features because Steve doesnt like blue tooth or games for example?
Apple has almost made a precidence of requiring updates which gives them an opportunity at every update to do something that willl prevent previous "hacked" versions from working properly or force you to live withought functionality! I personally love the fact that apple continually makes their products better, but we are also opening ourselves up for situations like these.
Its obvious the only reason they are not accepting cash is so they can trace their sales. It ensures there is a path for legal recourse if/when such a time comes. This doesn't specifically affect me in this situation, but as a whole people should fight this as it sets a precidence for unnofficial spying and tracking of ALL your personal activities. People only seem to fight for "freedom" (from terror?) they can see, however they are missing the stuff their own government and companies are doing to them.
For those of your who are offering solutions for not having debit or cc! Wake up, solutions are well known, its the principle thats the problem here. I can see apples side! but if they just offered the right product to begin with there wouldnt be a problem like this!
