Good for Apple. None of that would change if there was a simple free option for sideloading though.

People wouldn't sideload malware?

Apple having a safe store wouldn't change.

But would they still have a safe platform?

You moved the goal posts.

But yes, it could still absolutely be safe. Why do you think otherwise? Does Apple hold a patent on publishing malware-free apps? No. They do not.

The intent is keeping the entire platform free from malware and junk.

Your app may be malware free, but it's pretty obvious there are many others which would not be.

Sure. Great. It's not an open platform though and you cannot run your own software on it if you're a business.

So that really sucks for a lot of businesses. Nothing you've said has countered that. I'm really happy that your concerns have been met. Mine and millions of others' haven't.