So does this whole topic apply only to embedded systems then? I am a Qt developer who has bought Qt licences in the distant past, but I know nothing about embedded systems, so that would explain why we seem to be talking at cross purposes as well as why I found the original post so puzzling.

For desktop & mobile applications, I can go to qt.io, ask to buy a Qt licence, and be quoted straight away a per-developer annual fee with no reference to any separate distribution licence. What I'm wondering is whether this will also be the case for the new micro-business tier, or whether it introduces some requirement for a separate distribution licence that the normal application development licence does not have.

Edit: I see now that I have completely mis-read the original post. It says that the micro-business tier offers a licence for "Qt for Device Creation", not for Qt in general. So it probably isn't available at all for desktop & mobile applications. I'm sorry for wasting your time.