We will see when trusted computing has been activated fully. ;(
I agree with you, I think we can count on M$ and Apple to continue to try to lock it all down.
I think that we do have other avenues available.
I have recently started to play with Ubuntu. I have a setup in the works that seems to be a suitable replacement for M$, thanks VLC and FireFox.
I hope to see many options continue to become and remain available. I like the idea of having a choice.
On a side note my car, daily driver, is even older than my Amigas, 84 VW Rabbit.
my $.02
