iRex should learn from 2 cases of devices that were not originally meant to have a custom software installed.
A. The Linksys WRT54G
B. The Microsoft Xbox
Linksys had to pulish the sources, IIRC correct this was achieved through gpl-violations.org, but it hadn't harmed the device. Instead they get firmware with more and more functions developed for free.
Microsoft on the other hand tried to not let anyone else use the Xbox for anything else than it's original purpose, running games that bring money to them the one or or other way. But while trying to keep people outside, they made a good bunch of mistakes. Possibly if they had opened up to the people that were curious to run Linux on it, they would have not had that many attackers against the security system. In the end, if they had allowed Linux to run on it, maybe the security system would have not been circumvented or not in such a short time.
Source and more details on this:
http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/17_Mi...ecurity_System
I believe iRex fears that if they would open up the iLiad to allow a user customized OS on it, the users could circumvent the upcoming DRM system.
But in the end, the movement to circumvent the restrictions is driven by the people that want to run their customized software on it.
just my 2 cents on it. (as a user, I'm no developer)