[peterburkimsher]

The solution for code signing is coming: through jailbreaks or appdb.to, it's possible to sideload apps without the official app store process. The EU even mandated that there should be other app stores.

Building for older models is possible using a collection of virtual machines, or even a multi-boot old laptop.

[threeseed]

a) You still need to code sign on alternative app stores.

b) All of your users are still going come through the Apple one.

[ensignavenger]

Reg B... Will they? From what almost everyone I have heard from says, most of their users come thru their own marketing efforts, not Apples.