You're confusing "not implementing" with "disabling". There is no default-enabled HDMI out on any SoC. Rather you have to wire it up and enable it, which includes paying the HDMI licensing fees (and also test that it actually works)
"Are they still denying us basic functionality that's been part of smartphone USB ports since MHL in 2011 for the express purpose of making us buy crap we don't want?"
