The problem is that after a decade, my choices are to continue to spend money at Apple, or spend even more money and time to leave Apple, go somewhere else, and buy all the apps I already own, all over again.
When I first started, I used to think of Apple as the best option available to me. Now I think about it as the least bad option. The cost of leaving involves so much time and money, that it’s not a realistic option.
No you don't, you can buy a VHS player and keep using it without throwing out your TV. Or buy a combined DVD/VHS player. The only reason to buy DVDs is because the quality is better. You're getting additional value for your purchase, beyond the artificial restrictions of a mega corporation.
Apple doesn't have multiple competing stores. It has ONE store.
And if you are a software vendor that makes mobile apps, you HAVE to support Apple or you will go out of business.