@aral As a FP user, I feel like I'm also to blame for keeping the Google apps on there. I could install other stuff, but won't because it's too big of a hassle.
As for why they don't do it themselves, I guess it's because replacing Google's polished (but privacy-invading) apps is hard. How much business would they lose if they shipped an OS with UX that's 50% worse?
@aral It probably sounds like I'm looking down on the open source alternatives, but you know, pouring lots of money into UX makes a huge difference whether I/we like it or not. Hell, Google Android UX sucks compared to Apple's versions.