> Apple allows “free apps” that are entirely ad-supported, never giving Apple a dime (aside from $99/year), yet they are consuming infrastructure

Because Apple doesn't give them a choice! Android developers can host their own apps, set up their own CDNs and downloading/updating infrastracture, pay journalists to review their apps etc.

This is like tying someone up in your basement and telling them to be grateful that they don't have to pay rent.