I think Flash was created in the 90s to make up for the lack of interface possibilities on the web. In contrast, mobile apps are created to both enhance the us

I think Flash was created in the 90s to make up for the lack of interface possibilities on the web. In contrast, mobile apps are created to both enhance the user experience and focus the user on a smaller functional set. Flash and, later, Silverlight, were often (but not always) used to bring a Windows/Desktop-like experience to the web. Mobile apps are different and that might be why they are more sticky, at the moment, than Flash apps ever were. That is, they're a response to simplicity where Flash never was. On your home screens idea - I think you could make the home screen over and it won't change the fact that most people use a handful of apps regularly (every day), another handful less frequently (once a week to once a month) and then a large pool of apps that never get looked at again.