Gabe at Macdrifter:
This is the MAS as I see it: It is not for utility apps or power users. Apps like 1Password, TextExpander and Keyboard Maestro should all be purchased directly from the developers site.1 The MAS is for people afraid of using a computer. I applaud Apple for taking the fear out of technology. I also will not purchase my utilities from the MAS. Apple may be happy to have the nerds along for the ride, but they are not their target market. Normal people that just want to use a few apps and don’t care about tweaking their experience are Apple’s new target demographic.
As someone that is a power-user, you might think that I am upset with the Mac App Store. I am not. I have seen no indication that Apple plans to block traditional application installs. In fact, GateKeeper has been designed specifically to support user installed software. If it means I can still use my Mac the way I want and I need to provide less technical support to my friends and family, I’m thrilled with the changes.
While I am frustrated that apps like Moom and TextExpander have been bounced from the App Store, I agree with Gabe: these apps should have a long life outside of the Store.