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http://unrevoked.com/

Plug in phone. Run app. Make tea. Really the last part was the difficult step.

Above statement doesn't mean that I agree with Sprint's policies, but it does offer a workaround. HTC makes it really easy to root, almost encouraged even.

Yes, especially the Evo

But rageagainstthecage works on the Hero, which is the very device the GP brought up.

On most of the devices you mentioned you can substitute z4root with unrevoked3 (wiki).

But rageagainstthecage works on the Hero, which is the very device the GP brought up.

On most of the devices you mentioned you can substitute z4root with unrevoked3 (wiki).

A year ago, the procedure used to be to back up the Google apps from your phone, install CyanogenMod, and restore them. Is this still the case, or is there a newer yet still legit way to get these apps? A bit of browsing CyanogenMod's wiki referred me to Google for Android, which appears to have everything but the Market.

http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version#Google_Apps
http://kitchen.yaam.mobi/

It isn't technically legit but Google seems to tolerate it.

But apparently, some newer phones block the use of a custom recovery that allows verification to a root certificate other than the phone maker's.

http://www.absolutelyandroid.com/second-gen-snapdragon-devices-gain-root-world-rejoice/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/unrevoked3

So, yeah... it sucks. G1 just required root exploit to reflash recovery partition. Lately only the bootloader can write to recovery (if that) and h/w weakness is required.

About what fraction of Market apps are DRM-opting, and are any major ones?

http://www.google.com/#&q=android+build.prop+protected

I don't know specifically. I haven't owned an Android phone since 1 year ago. I still sometimes screw with ones my friends/coworkers buy though.

Now while we're at it, can I can a 'connect phone, run program, press button and you're done' solution for rooting my HTC Wildfire?

Actually, you can: http://unrevoked.com/#wildfire

You do realise that the reason you have root on your iPhone is because hackers found a hole in Apple's security, one that soon got closed?

The "hoops" in getting root on Android are because they're the sanctioned way to do it. If there was a remote root exploit in Android's web browser, some other hacker could give you a one-step jailbreak too.

That's not quite true. Getting root on Android, at least when using Unrevoked (a popular rooting tool) does indeed require using an expoit. From the UnrEVOked website:
"At this time, unrevoked3 works on all versions of the supported phones, thanks to the exploit discovered by Sebastian Krahmer."

"Will you release the source code?
At this time, we are not disclosing the vulnerability we have exploited to unlock the NAND flash."

Android is open as in open-source, but the handsets themselves are locked down by the carriers and manufacturers. They want to keep you away from root just as much as Apple does with the iPhone.

Here's the link since the AC didn't post it http://unrevoked.com/ just click on the picture of the desire and you can download unrevoked3 for your phone.

Here's a link to their twitter so you can stay up to date. http://twitter.com/unrevoked

No it's really not. http://unrevoked.com/ point and click.