Are you implying consumers should not have their voices somehow heard (no matter how stupid their requests are) by private companies? I think your comment underestimate the power of consumers and customers of products -- and ultimately of boycotts. If this petition had been signed by 1.5 millions instead of just 1.5 thousand I wonder if you would consider it more... valued? Let them speak out if that is what they want.
Signing a petition is easy. If this is to make a difference those 1500 developers need to not support apples policies and boycott the apps tore, and get users to do the same.