It's more due to ignorance though. All other things being equal, many would prefer to buy directly from the creator if they realize that they can save money, an

It's more due to ignorance though. All other things being equal, many would prefer to buy directly from the creator if they realize that they can save money, and the creator gets more profit. Apple is right now a corrupt middle-man bureaucrat between them, demanding a bribe from both to make a trade, but the consumers just aren't aware of that.