I'd like a free phone if I'm forced into a contract and charged for stuff I don't use or never use it. I use about 2000 minutes a month (mostly at night) and don't really use the phone for anything else. I don't like the idea that service providers have been increasing the minutes and options AND price, but removed the cheaper plans for people who don't need lots of unused minutes. My old plan which was $32/month offered all I needed + unlimited nights/weekends, but my phone was dying. So now I pay $43/month for 'more' minutes. This was the lowest plan that I could get and provided what I needed. I did at least get a free razr and $150 rebate. I justify the higher monthly cost because I got the free phone and rebate.
I'd be willing to pay $300 or more for a new phone if it wasn't attached to a contract and provider. Also if the provider didn't try to screw me by tacking on additional features that I don't need.