> they also say that if you want sideloading, you have that choice by joining the other side.

That's a bit of a stretch of what they said - they were specifically referring to iOS there, and pointing out that there are other choices (including macOS) that offer side-loading or direct installs.

Taking that one comment to imply that Apple doesn't want to build any platforms that aren't completely locked down is, imho, a step too far.