Apple offers a UC system that is easier to install and configure than other UC systems. That's what "just works" means. It doesn't mean that if you turn a UC system on, don't bother to turn it off that it will magically know you don't want it anymore which is what the Android people suppose it should do. This would be like an article being critical of gmail for not disabling email when you sell your computer.
How is that the same? Gmail isn't affecting the working status of your other email accounts. iMessage likes to "take over" your text messages. If Apple wants to fuck with the SMS system offered by another company (your service provider), they need to make DAMN sure they don't break it in the process.
Nowadays its hard to find a carrier that doesn't give you both unlimited.
I agree with the rest of what you said, but Canada would like to debate you on that last one.
How shoelaces work to keep our shoes on our feet
Ted already did that one.
The hardest part of climbing the ladder of success is getting through the crowd at the bottom.