I mean, I am not a fan of Walmart but no one is holding a gun to their employees heads. "Captive of Walmart", lets get real.
And nothing is stopping an employee from going out and getting a better paying job after they learn the trade and have some experience.
Unfortunately, I don't think most people are too interested even now. The masses that buy phones and make it profitable aren't aware of things like this or even give a shit. Any time I bring something up with friends and family it gets shrugged off. Realistically Linux phones are going to be fringe unless they can offer something up to the masses that is attractive to them.
Hope I'm wrong.