An open letter to TMO executives

Why?

Its a difficult question to answer.  Most of the time.  Usually, its because we all know the answer, but the person answering just doesn't know how to say it.
And I suspect that this is why TMO has not ever commented on the concerns of power users.

Or simply, T-Mobile just doesnt get it.

As most of you know, I am now 99% sure that I will leave TMO this year.  Its a sad, and angry moment.  Sad because I have been with TMO since the Voice Stream days.  Its going on 10 years.
Angry because I am now forced to break that relationship, pay a lot more money, and switch my 5 lines of service to Verizon.  And of course, other will follow...

Its been a long time coming.  Those of you who follow on Twitter have seen the rants since last year about why TMO cant release a device that is 4.3", Android and in the super phone category.
It started around spring last year after the announcement of the EVO.  Friends of mine pointed me to the upcoming release of the G2.  I thought that this may be the redemption.  A worthy successor to the original.
Turns out, I, and many others were wrong.  The G2 was a huge disapointment.  First with the specs, then with the lock down, non root mentality, which was worthless as it was rooted anyway.
Ahhh, but there is hope my friends said... There is the MT4G coming... Great!  I thought...  Maybe that one will be worthy... 4.3", super phone, worthy successor of the MT3G...
Again... Huge disappointment.
And then there is the Vibrant.  Great phone, but still 4", and of course, saddled with the slow updates from Samsung.
Then there was CES...  There is hope I thought.
And TMO released..... the Cliq2... Wow... Another mediocre, 3.8" phone.

For those of you reading this far, you must understand that this is written from the point of view of a power user.  I have 5 lines, and most of my 10 yr TMO stay I have paid dearly for phones and service.  It wasnt until TMO went with the EMP plans that I can say my plan is affordable.  Just since the G1, I have purchased 10 Android smartphones, about 12 feature texting phones for my other lines, all at FULL price.
In that same period, most TMO users have purchased about 1 phone per line, under contract.  This is the kind of user I am.

And sadly, TMO has finally convinced me that T-Mobile does not want, or care about users like me.

I have waited for over a year for TMO to convince me otherwise, while I watch other power users leave TMO for the same reason...  My friend @breakthecycle2 being a good example.  My twitter stream in the last few days is filled with about 50 lines of service that are fed up also and willing to leave in the next couple of months.

CES was the straw that broke the camels back.  Even ATT announced 3 super phones, 4", 4.3", dual cores, even a 4.5" Samsung.  VZW also went heavy, with Bionic, Thunderbolt, Revolution, and the i520.  T-Mobile went with 4G speeds and the Cliq2.  Im still laughing about that... The Cliq 2.  Im sure its a great phone.  But its a great phone for some soccer mom on a 2 yr contract.  What about users like me?

Want to see what the reception of the Cliq2 has been?  Go look at the forums on TMO.  Lots of love there huh?

Half the problem is of course that I love TMO and the service that they provide for me at an affordable price.  Maybe if I didnt care it would be easier... Just shut up and leave for another carrier.

So, dear T-Mobile... WHY?

Why cant you keep your "value", and "family", and "affordable", and yet give your power users one or 2 truly leading edge, high end, 4.3"+ devices?
Verizon seems to do it right the other way around.  They seem to cater to the high end, while keeping an extensive line up of value, cheap android smartphones.
So why cant you do the opposite?  Cater to the value, family line and still have a CHOICE for your power users?

I know the Optimus 2X is coming to TMO, but basically, here we go again, with another 4" device...  Yes, dual core, etc, but really... Another 4" device.  One.  I have 4 to choose from on Verizon.  All with WAY better specs...

People tell me to wait... Wait some more... Maybe TMO will have one...

I have been waiting since the EVO was announced.  How much longer do I have to wait.

The wait is almost over.

But I would still like an answer.

Why?