presumably they have to do some refurbishing and rehab when they get it back anyway. why not re-flash all the software then? or, somewhat more draconian, add in explicit penalties for people who tamper with leased vehicles, with a contract clause to that effect?

i mean, i don't doubt that the concern you mention might be part of it. but it sure is also a convenient way to lock people out of servicing their own stuff. and i doubt they're eager to give people the ability to service their own equipment without a strong public demand for that ability.

so the public should keep demanding that (as opposed to relying on the altruism of a large corporation).