When iPhone 4 was released it didn't have 4G while other phones out at the time did (Sprint's Evo).

Now they come out with a Verizon version that is exactly the same which means its now even more behind.

Not everyone around the world is able to "mix and match" as you put it. In Korea, Japan, China, and a number of other countries, including some in Europe, the iPhone is available on just one network.

Haha - yeah, I know what he/she meant ;-)

It doesn't really matter who's number one, but it does matter that a lot of other people use the same phone as you (or at least the same OS) because without the numbers, there will be fewer apps and fewer accessories. One of the main reasons to use the iPhone is the vast support for the music playing aspects in cars, audio equipment, etc. If it were a niche device, there wouldn't be that benefit.

If a political talk show is going to get ratings, it has to have two things in every episode:

A. A clear, simple thesis (ie, Liberals Are Destroying America, Corporations Are Destroying America) that continues through every single segment;
B. Up to the minute commentary on current events.

You see the problem: These two things are going to sometimes conflict.

Even if the thesis of a show is Pie is Awesome, the host is still going to wake up one day and see headlines about a pie recall because some tainted filling killed 173 people. Guess what: he still has to do a show that day about why Pie is Awesome. He will manipulate B to make it fit A, even if he has to lie. He doesn't draw a paycheck otherwise.