But even there, no one actually reads those permissions lists, and apps routinely ask for far more than they need. Lots of people do read those permission list

But even there, no one actually reads those permissions lists, and apps routinely ask for far more than they need. Lots of people do read those permission lists, and they are one of the most commonly referenced complaints in app reviews. A firestorm arose when an Angry Birds update inexplicably added the ability to send SMS'. Further it focuses a spotlight when an app does request a permission that seems out of place. Ideally when Google evaluates app for their "staff's picks" (the "optional curation") they consider threat surface area.