There is a negative network effect: The opt-out is so complex and time-consuming that it will deter almost all users (even if some on HN say they will do it).
With so few users, many fewer developers will release apps that don't comply with Google's requirements. Then the value of opting out will decline significantly, which will reduce the number of people doing it, which will reduce the number of apps released ...
How do corporate users distribute custom apps on iPhones? Must they distribute them via Apple's store or is there some corporate mode, maybe involving X.509 certs and device management, that enables large-scale professional users to sideload?
ZERO. ZERO developers who don’t comply will make a living selling applications and services to the general public.
I agree; I expect that's already true?
In the GP I'm talking about people releasing FOSS and similar projects.
This is correct. The people who will refuse to pay $25 and sign their stuff are people with a political objective, not businesses.
It's not about paying Google. People can buy gift cards with cash and do that; that's not the problem, especially not for commercial use. It's everything else that they're imposing or could impose on a whim and whose device it is they're putting restrictions on.
Google will not accept prepaid cards for verification.
Google's identity requirements serve basic security needs and are fine.
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