[skolor]

Really, we're not talking about being the gatekeepers to the iPhone, Apple is the gatekeeper to the App Store, nothing more. It doesn't seem that big of a deal for Apple to continue to review applications for the App Store, but allow another method (short of jailbreaking) to add non-reviewed apps to your phone too.

[dkarl]

It's a PR and brand management thing. Apple knows that anything heinous or broken on the iPhone reflects poorly on Apple. However Apple tries to wash its hands or disclaim responsibility, the animus attached to bad apps will rub off on Apple. That's reality; it can't be changed by fiat.