If we’re going to bring consumer choice into this argument, why can’t the consumer who wants sideloading just vote with their wallet? I’ve yet to read a good argument here for this separation. After all, “nobody is forcing you to buy iPhones except your own weakness and childness.”
You mention how Android isn’t better in that regard, but it’s still an option.
In other words: pay for your tools. Configurable tools for pros cost more.
Some people recognize their weaknesses and pick tools accordingly. You want to take this choice away. Please fuck off.
Sideloading and app permissions are orthogonal.
But one point that is very clear. You belong to a group of users that enjoy the leverage Apple has on developers, and you want it to stay that way
Oh ok. So this has nothing to do with your phone and your choices.
Instead, what you want to do is force other people to do certain things with their own hard work.
Not really sure why you think you should have domain over what other developers do with their own apps.
If you don't like those apps, then don't use them. Problem solved.
If sideloading is available, there will be a nonzero number of developers who choose to provide their app only through sideloading, and eschew Apple's App Store.
Some of these will be doing so merely so they don't have to take the extra effort (or pay the extra money) to submit apps to Apple. No malicious intent, but they still won't be reviewed, so unintentional danger can still get through.
Others will be deliberately avoiding Apple's App Review so they can steal your passwords and spy on your banking apps, or hell, just install a rootkit if there's one available at the time.
And still others will be trying to create commercial-grade apps that provide full functionality, but can violate your privacy without asking permission because that's their business model (particularly Facebook and Google).
And some of these will replace apps that are currently available from the App Store, with all the protections that entails. Particularly Facebook and Google.