... This entire discussion IS about bad software that DOES harm you, and you rag on the measures to specifically protect against something like that? What the heck?

Yes, I'm not saying there is no harmful software, I'm saying these kind of "protections" are the wrong solution. The same people who install blindly any add-ons will also install any exe-files if the promising website tells them to because the browsers add-on-system does not provide the required mechanics.

So the next step is to disallow exe-files. But of course you can let the exe-file get signed for a "small" fee...

> The same people who install blindly any add-ons

Like Facebook?

Should installing the Facebook app on your phone allow them to intercept any network requests your web browser makes?

Sure, if the app asks for that permission and you allow it.

Users can manually choose to run unsigned executables. Please stop spreading that FUD.

They can for now. I wrote disallowing unsigned exe-files would be the logical next step in "user-protection".

I think, especially given events that’ve transpired since, Apple was fairly justified in not giving third party developers unfettered access to web pages and network requests running through the browser.

I am very glad that I can install an add blocker on my phone and I don’t have to trust that it’s not going to mine and sell my data.

I haven’t been bamboozled, I’ve just made a different decision with a different set of trade offs than you.

> You have been bamboozled.

The dramatically reduced incidence of various non-technical family members having to go to me or Geek Squad for yet another virus infection says otherwise.