Dan Poarch

Apple Confirms: No Online iPhone 3G Sales, In-Store Activation Only

Unlocking was to work around the fact that the iPhone wasn't available in other countries, to use it as a wi-fi iPod, and to use it on other carriers. Most of these issues have been resolved, with the exception of using it on another carrier. I see nothing wrong with Apple/ATT making you pay them through the nose to use their device in a manner that they don't intend or support.

Not being able to buy the phone online is definitely a PIA. I doubt there's any primary interest in a halo effect, I think this partially ATT trying to get Apple traffic into their stores, with the other intention being an anti-unlocking maneuver. Hope ATT has hired a whole new retail staff... Because their store attendants are idiots at best.