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The walled garden is only relevant to ereaders, the Apple store, and the Kindle Fire (unless you sideload), isn't it? The other e-retailers are available even if you switch PCs or tablets. If publishers are really bothered by the walled gardens, they should encourage the creation of a truly open e-ink reader that accepts multiple bookstores.
That said, I think ultimately the walled garden is not the real issue. The real issue is why people start to use a particular e-bookstore, and why they stay. The market leader is famous for its low prices and its customer service. I hear they also have some exclusives. What do the other bookstores offer? Mostly the same products, for the same or a higher price. Why would they even expect to increase their market share under those circumstances? If other vendors are not attractive, then loading books from them is not an advantage either.
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