[snprbob86]

It's pretty easy to force quit an application on iOS 4:

1) Hold the power button until the power-down slider shows up

2) Hold the home button until the application exists

[clord]

3) double-tap home, then hold finger on app you want to terminate. the icons in the task switcher start to dance. click the terminate button.

[snprbob86]

My numbers were steps, not alternatives.

As for your approach: I've seen that fail for locked up apps. I believe that sends a normal quit signal instead of force terminating the app.