Can you change the CPU microcode (I'm not familiar with new CPU's)? If you can't, then there is little point in having it as free software since you wouldn't be able to update your microcode. Kinda like wanting the source code to your toaster, but the software is on a ROM chip.
This is actually an interesting point: even if I can't change it, I would really be interested in the source code of my toaster software. Modifying the software is only one aspect of Free Software. Being able to understand how it works is another one.
All the four freedoms need to be usable for something to be useful. If you can't upload a new copy, then being able to modify it is pointless I think.
I might, for example, want to build my own toaster and look at some algorithms used in that toaster software. Or I might encounter a bug in the toaster software, and while still not being able to fix it, the possibility to look at the source code might help me to find a way to work around it. Or I might just want to check whether the toaster collects information about its usage and sends it to the producer over the internet
I think the cases you outlined don't really need access to the source code, they all can be done in a different manner. And they all revolve around `examiniation', which isn't as easy when it comes to hardware.
To me atleast it boils down to: If I have the source code, can I actually use it for something? In the case of the toaster, I can't. So my freedom is still limited. I find it like arguing between a non-free program, and a non-free program, your rights are subjugated in both cases.
(there are internet enabled toasters, aren't there?).
If anyone knows of internet enabled toasters that are sold, I'd really like to know! I know of vending machines that have been internet enabled, but not of toasters. :-)