So what I meant was that android and windows tablets still suck. Windows 8 is what is shipping on the new microsoft tablets, and I believe that's what drove the release of the ipad 4 when it came out.
As to the factor of the price of the phone vs the cost of service, the cost of service is the same no matter who's phone you have, and the cost of the phone is a one time cost. If the difference between $50 and $300 isn't relevant to you, that's great, but it's relevant to a lot of people.