I think we need to view it from the perspective of developers who release internet-hosted applications; not consumers. Consumers do have some amount of choice,

I think we need to view it from the perspective of developers who release internet-hosted applications; not consumers. Consumers do have some amount of choice, but developers generally have to release applications for internet-hosted applications on as many devices as possible (because mobile web isn't "there" (yet?)). Its not about App Store revenue or leveraging really powerful proprietary iOS platform technology; its just about eyes-on-glass and meeting customers where they are. Without iOS users, many internet-hosted applications would fail (see: Hey). With app stores, its difficult to build correlates to traditional marketplaces, but I think about it like: imagine if Toyota decided to begin building roads that only Toyota cars can drive on, and Toyota cars can only drive on those roads. Toyota defers the cost of building these roads on-to the businesses the roads connect. Toyota cars are awesome, so many consumers want them. Some businesses greatly benefit from being on the Toyota network, but others find the fees far too high. And, additionally, Toyota can refuse to connect your business to their network, for any reason, and has a demonstrated history of refusing to connect businesses to the network for very poor reasons. There is a good argument for the App Store to be made: It helps with security, with privacy, with convenience, its not all bad. But, I also believe freedom is more important than any of those. I think there's a middle-ground to be found, which looks something like forcing Apple to approve any application submitted to the store which does not break the law.