These people did not shut their phones off, and knowingly had e-mail set to automatically check. It's not the fault of the phone company.
Instead of blaming "the man" maybe people should step up and say "hey, we made the mistake".
It's the "knowingly" part that is the stickler here for me. Yes they are responsible.
Should Apple (not AT&T) put an alert that they are roaming and allow for email or phone service to be turned off?
Should AT&T (not Apple) throw an alert if usage goes all crazy and shit? My bank gives me a call every time my wife gets a bug to buy. I think that falls under protecting everyone and is good customer service.
Should this guy get loud, raise a ruckus, try to get part of his money back, alert other folks and then STFU and pay the bill? Oh yeah.
I'm not wringing my hands for this poor schmuck nor am I screaming for blood because the big-bad cell company is a thief. I'm saying that there is a shared responsibility here that is lacking.