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AT&T Locks Apple SIM Cards On New iPads
As reported by MacRumors, the unlocked, carrier-switchable SIM cards built into the newest iPads aren't necessarily so -- at least if you buy them from an AT&T store. Though the card comes from Apple with the ability to support (and be switched among with software, if a change is necessary) all major carriers, "AT&T is not supporting this interchangeability and is locking the SIM included with cellular models of the iPad Air 2 and Retina iPad mini 3 after it is used with an AT&T plan. ... AT&T appears to be the only participating carrier that is locking the Apple SIM to its network. T-Mobile's John Legere has indicated that T-Mobile's process does not lock a customer in to T-Mobile, which appears to be confirmed by Apple's support document, and Sprint's process also seems to leave the Apple SIM unlocked and able to be used with other carrier plans. Verizon, the fourth major carrier in the United States, did not opt to allow the Apple SIM to work with its network." The iPad itself can still be activated and used on other networks, but only after the installation of a new SIM.
That's a nice sentiment. That will never be reality however. Whether it's convenient or not as long as you are not harassed while switching than a business has every right to try to sway you (within reason) and nothing you say or do will change that. The sprints and T-Mobiles of the world are only doing this because they are literally going bankrupt trying to get customers. If they were not so desperate they would not be so customer friendly.
I absolutely agree with your point. If AT&T sees enough people leave them over this being the reason it will be changed quicker than you can type a reply to this conversation. However, both Verizon and AT&T clearly own the market share of subscribers and most likely won't be affected positively or negatively whether they choose to include or exclude this feature. This will be used as a marketing pitch for Sprint and T-Mobile as they are willing to do almost anything to woo new subscribers.