being conned into buying gift cards means the weak link isn't with the security of the phone, but with the person's brain.

Making the device so locked down that no such con could exist also means there's no way to use the phone in ways that haven't been authorized - and as a power user, i detest that i am paying a price for the safety of those who are too stupid. I do not want to pay that price.

Conveniently, google gets to remain in a position to earn more money from being in the controlling seat.

as they say, if you trade freedom for security, you'll end up with neither.