Sure you get something, the option to walk away at any time without penalty. Them giving you discounted equipment is for your guarantee to stay, nothing else. You don't sign the guarantee you don't get the discount. So you are gaining the right to leave with no penalty. It's basically an even trade either way. You agree to stay and get a discount, or pay full price and can cancel when you want.

I don't see why it has anything at all to do with service. The whole equipment discount is just about them being guaranteed to have you for 2 years and make enough money off of you to gain back the discount. We all know companies are about making money.