we can't allow these bands as default, because people who have not paid should not be able to use them.
Prompts a question: is the UK the only country with "soft licensing"? IMHO that is the cause of this debate.
Also note, no other radio vendor takes the role of being the "police". All documentation supplied with a radio clearly states it is up to the user to ensure that appropriate licenses are paid and the law is adhered to, and training courses re-inforce that.
The one exception is the USA, where FCC don't like the user-selectable country table, and want it "locked down" to USA only, but that's a separate topic already in-hand with MT.
Do Alvarion, Moto & co try to legislate in software? I don't think so - others please do comment.
right now you can select USA and use what you need
From a software perspective, yes. From a legal/regulatory point-of-view, not so wise.
If OFCOM knocks on someone's door, and user has to explain they had to put US country codes in to use the frequencies, they'd probably shut the site down, or demand the vendor intervene with a solution double-quick. US rules (incl. EIRP) are not the same as UK.
Hope that helps.