A common person isn't able to do what the author did, meaning they'll have to reach for the app store. Conveniently, Apple gets a cut of sales on the app store. The conflicts of interest are clear.
I can imagine that a good platform for making "home-cooked apps" would be beneficial both to Apple and to buyers of their products.
I believe Shortcuts was a move in the right direction.
They are indeed, I think. When was the last time you saw a really great free app? That was at the beginning of the App Store ecosystem, I think they've moved away from it.