I don't know if it's just optics. As a user, I personally don't want to see or download apps that are broken, neglected, or completely left for dead. Maintained apps are usually the best ones right?
One example doesn't prove that statement false. I said usually.
But also I'm not sure that's a great example anyway because I'm sure most people would want to find Microsoft apps on the app store regardless of what you think about their "usability" or maintenance. Usability is a different metric that's more arbitrary
Being in control of the OS, can Google in some cases force software authors to rewrite software and "release new versions" by changing/adding/removing APIs, etc.
Because they want developers to use the latest version of their API. And as a user it is a good thing, as the API is getting more restrictive and privacy focused
"Because they want developers to use the latest version of their API."
But the parent commenter's company software did not need to be updated to be useful to the company. Its only purpose was to control hardware made by the company.
As I said, it is useful for the users to have software that is complying with the latest version of the API, and it is good that Google is enforcing it