[benjamincanfly]

The difference is that it's unpredictable, based on Apple's whims. If they said "Hey, here is a list of apps we won't accept from third party developers because we consider them to be competitive," that would be one thing. But as it stands, we don't even know where the line in the sand is, because the line is based on Apple's best interests, not those of the developers. Dozens of developers have released apps that duplicate (and improve upon) the functionality of the built-in Notes app, but when someone writes an app for podcast streaming (which the iPhone does not already offer, but which I'm sure they're planning on adding eventually), Apple nixes it. It's not just difficult, it's demoralizing.

[gills]

You hit it on the head. Players leave rigged markets once they get burned once or twice, and pretty soon the market freezes up altogether.

Withdrawing from iPhone app development is the rational choice. There are other things developers like the author can work on with similar payoffs, but more predictable risks.

[netcan]

Unpredictable? Yes. So is consumer demand.

It's not just difficult, it's demoralizing.

That's my point. On the rational front, it's not different to 1000 other variables. On the emotional one, it's a lot worse.