I've found some great apps that were Mac App Store ONLY options, at least as far as I could tell at the time. That said, by default I generally find apps via r

I've found some great apps that were Mac App Store ONLY options, at least as far as I could tell at the time. That said, by default I generally find apps via recommendations, random packaged deals, or via their website so I don't necessarily "go looking" for them in the Mac App Store either. All of the above mentioned apps that I found that were App Store only falls into this category. If there is an option for both (App Store and direct purchase), usually what I do is check if there is a price difference (usually not but some times can be). Go with the lower price. If there is no price difference, I go with the Mac App Store version, then proceed to email the developer/company with proof for a copy of the non-Mac App Store version anyway. Usually this isn't a problem. I agree with everyone about the whole sandboxing issues and how frustrating it can be, but I definitely recommend taking a look at the App Store anyway as a user. You never know what you're missing out on.