It seems that most people's strong reaction to Apple's decision is not just because it's a mistake (which I think it is), but because it directly affects their life and there is no serious alternative to avoid the consequences.
Example: I don't really care what restrictions Microsoft will impose on developers for its next phone OS, because I don't care about their products. It does matter for me, however, that Lotus Notes design is horrible (and getting worse with every version), as that's what I'm forced to use at work and there is no alternative for me.
If HTC/Android were such a strong alternative to iPhone/iPhone OS, most developers would simply ignore Apple's move: "They made a stupid decision?" - "Very well, our community and market share will grow as a result".
Unfortunately, as Stanislav notes above, for many developers and users there are not many alternatives to the iPhone, with it's high quality design and strong eco-system.
Exactly. The real problem with the anti-Apple arguments is that - for the moment - Apple's behavior hasn't hurt them. The iPhone still has more apps, and iPhone owners are far more likely to buy apps. The Android app store is still a wash, despite all Android handsets sold this year.
I think that in the long run Apple's App Store policies would hurt the iPhone if they weren't willing to make the platform more open, but the walled garden approach probably makes more sense while the public is still getting used to the idea of mobile applications.
Apple deserves some credit for persuading people to actually pay for software. How much does the average person spend on third-party software for their PC? Judging from how much shelf space Best Buy devotes to PC software, I'd bet it's pretty small compared to what people are spending on apps now.
Example: I don't really care what restrictions Microsoft will impose on developers for its next phone OS, because I don't care about their products. It does matter for me, however, that Lotus Notes design is horrible (and getting worse with every version), as that's what I'm forced to use at work and there is no alternative for me.
If HTC/Android were such a strong alternative to iPhone/iPhone OS, most developers would simply ignore Apple's move: "They made a stupid decision?" - "Very well, our community and market share will grow as a result".
Unfortunately, as Stanislav notes above, for many developers and users there are not many alternatives to the iPhone, with it's high quality design and strong eco-system.
And that's what makes people furious.