[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dragontology:
Google can do better than this.

In no uncertain terms, you are wrong for taking a swing at Android security and you are lying, saying you're doing it FOR Android security. Let me explain:

I block ads. Sorry, I know Google makes money on advertising, but on my 5" screen, it's non-negotiable. I paid for the device. I pay for the service on it monthly. I used to flash a lot more ROMs... Not so much now. But back when I was, after using Titanium Backup (which requires root) to restore my apps and data — and I'd like to point out that Google has been promising this since Android 4.2 and has yet to deliver — I usually go to AdAway to update its filter lists.

One day, I did not do this. I restored the apps, and then I went to a site most Android users (seem to) trust to download something. If I said what, I would identify the site and I don't wish to do that. I don't think they have complete control over their ads; I don't want to start a witch hunt. Anyway, I go to the site using Chrome, when I get a system notification pop up and say that illegal content has been found on my device, and I have a choice. Either download their app and pay them a ransom, or they will wipe my device. I wasn't too worried because I could just re-flash the ROM, but the issue was limited to Chrome. I couldn't do anything at all with it. So I force quit Chrome, wiped the data, and then updated my ad blocker. I went back to the site — no more ransomware nag.

I consider my ad blocker to be an essential part of my phone's security. I do regret that it circumvents revenue for free apps, and so I buy the paid apps or in-app purchases to remove the apps. I love the Android development community and would not rob Android developers of revenue. At home, on my 23" monitor, I am willing to whitelist sites that are responsible with their advertising, because I understand that their costs are often not trivial. So I am willing to meet advertisers halfway. Google AdSense ads are fine. You guys are doing it right. Some animated ads are fine. I don't accept ads with sound, ads that block content, and ads that push content down so much (some is fine). And ads that lock up the browser and demand payment are, of course, straight out.

Will Google step up and take some responsibility for rogue ads? Would Google have reimbursed me what that ransomware ad would have forced me to pay? I kind of doubt it. You'd have no obligation to.

And on another note, why is it that, had I happened to be outside the US, I could convert my HTC One M8 to a "Google Play Edition" and run pure stock Android, but since I happen to reside in the country Google was founded in, my only choice is HTC Sense? I don't mind Sense. I like the ROM I'm on. A lot. But if Google wants to even pretend to be serious about security, how about letting us choose stock Android regardless of where we happen to live? I can run a port of the GPE ROM, but it's prone to lose GPS, and it has other issues people just live with because it is a port, and because it is not official. If you care about root users and regard us as your "most ardent fans," why sweep us under the rug and say HTC Sense, Samsung TouchWiz, and similar are good enough for everyone? The Nexus runs stock Android, but until the 6 and excepting the Galaxy Nexus, has not been available on American national carriers, and besides, they lack a microSD card slot. Why should we have to choose between a national network, access to local media, and stock Android? Can't we just have it all for what we pay for smartphones? Is that REALLY so much to ask?

I understand why people use iPhones. I can't because I cannot give up the customization in Android. The iPhone is alright. Not great but it's a decent phone. I don't blame iPhone users for not wanting to put up with all the headaches Google offers. Android phones are better, sure, but they come with so much baggage, and the manufacturers, and the people behind the software, don't seem to care. They don't seem to love their work. It's like they're just phoning it in. Say what you will about Apple, but they take great pride in their work. Their vision for it doesn't match my vision for what I want out of a phone, but for those for whom it does match, it's a match made in heaven. It's a real shame that's lacking so much on our side. I still think, all pros and cons weighed, Android is the place to be, but that's one con I wish I didn't have to tally for us. That and lack of updates.

Am I wrong or alone in thinking Google should do better? But I understand, Android is a community. Is there something WE can do for Google to make things better?