The choice between AMD and Intel, setting the multiplier factor aside is a close one. I think most of us here pick AMD because there is the possibility that (even if it is a pain) we can unlock the multipliers and run a slow chip at a much higher setting while keeping all of our other components in-spec, or at least close to it. If AMD does this, I think they will lose a lot of business, as without this extra incentive to buy AMD, it is just so easy to revert "back to old Intel".
Yes, the speed ratings are reasonably accurate, but all else being equal if you HAVE to bus overclock anyway (and have no chance of unlocking the multiplier), why not just buy an Intel 1.8GHz chip that really runs at 2.4GHz, rather than a 1.6GHz AMD chip that runs at 1.7GHz (but does almost as much work as a 2.1GHz Intel chip). If I didn't have the possibility of being able to unlock and change the multiplier, I would probably just go Intel in this situation. I hope AMD doesn't do this.
AMD is getting big, and most of their success has been thanks to the word of mouth that has spread throughout the enthusiast market. It isn't that the people who might actually unlock their chips buy a majority of the AMD products, but those people INFLUENCE a great number of others, who buy a very large percentage of AMD's products. It isn't so much about what AMD "owes" the enthusiast market, it is more about what it would mean to them if they turned around and insulted that market in such a profound way. It would be a real shame for AMD to sell those people out at this point by making the chips unable to be unlocked (or SO hard and risky that only 1 in 100 of even the hardcore enthusiasts would attempt it). Word of mouth works two ways.
Don't do it AMD. I know you are reading this. Just don't do it. It WILL backfire. Those who like to "play" with your products have more influence over everyday customers than you might think. If they aren't fun to play with anymore, enthusiasts will not be excited about your product anymore, and it will cut way into their recommendations, and into your bottom line. Remember, that the big OEMs are NOT (I repeat NOT) where AMD's bread is buttered. AMD has been dropped by Gateway, and never did get picked up by Dell. It is the little guy, selling/recommending AMD procs to regular users that has made AMD so successful. That little guy LIKES being able to unlock his personal chips, and if he can't do that, he may be somewhat less inclined to "fool with them" at all. AMD has so far done a good job of sending signals that it really does care about the enthusiast market. The recent Exteme Performance Project (processor/motherboard giveaway) was a good example of this. Don't throw that away by doing something stupid with the product. It already difficult and unprofitable for dishonest retailers to "unlock" AMD procs for resale as remarks in any quantity (as it should be). As a result, remarking isn't really a problem with AMD procs. Unlocking the chips is just something that true enthusiasts do for fun, and they won't like it if AMD takes that away. Just something to think about - very carefully.
Nack