but it’s incredible how far they’re able to enforce privacy, down to the hardware level, while still giving devs almost the same level of control over OS features as Android.

I don't give a shit about devs. I want that control for users. Until they allow users to do what they want, they can get fucked.

Privacy through the use of user restrictions is not acceptable either. It's my god damn phone, don't you dare tell me what I can't do on it "for my protection".

It's like saying a security firm is the best in the world at keeping clients safe, because they lock those clients in a vault and don't let them leave.

Privacy for freedom is not a good trade for those enthusiasts your frustrated with. They will accept Google's shit because the alternative is getting in a fucking cage.