You're right that the App Store distribution channel does not limit a developer's marketing ability. It does, however, limit the pricing. The App Store is struc

You're right that the App Store distribution channel does not limit a developer's marketing ability. It does, however, limit the pricing. The App Store is structured to directly reward high sales with exposure, creating a feedback loop that drives prices down. As an indie developer, I can support a modest marketing budget that creates modest sales if I can charge $29 for my app, but I can't do it at 99 cents. Not all distribution channels are created equal, and this particular one is so biased toward high volume/low price that an indie can't get any traction.