Why are open standards important for end-users?

[gk at fsfe.org]

Hi!

During preparation for the DFD I am currently searching for reasons why open 
standards are important for end-users. One apparent reason is "choice" and 
all its implications. However, other pro open standard arguments such 
as "availability", "no royalty when implementing" and so on won't impress 
typical end-users.

Of course "choice" is clearly a really strong argument, but I am still in 
search for other ones...

Regards,
	georg

-- 
We could change the world if god gave us the source.