Most people don't want third party Reddit apps because they inherently like third party apps (some people do want FOSS apps, but that's the minority). People largely want third party apps because the first party app is terrible.
Not surprised at all this angers the power users.
There is an api you can use to make a third party client, last I saw it's actually just the same as the bot api but you just identify as a "human" instead.
Users risk getting banned for "self botting" if you do this though. AFAIK there is no option to pay to do this either.
Also, I don't think it's at all controversial to suggest the video player is one of the worst I've used. I dread trying to load up native videos on desktop (new or old design), I can't imagine it being better on the app.
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those are the biggest issues that will never be reconciled. Others include features you probably don't care about unless you're a power user. Ability to filter posts/users. favoriting certain subs, various mod tools that STILL have no alternative (even on desktop), proper responsive design for tablets, an actual other discussions option, visible flairs etc. I could go on all day with nitpicks (each of which I requested to reddit at some point years ago. Some of which were promised but never realized).
So, clearly someone likes the Reddit app, right? Those millions of 5 star reviews are definitely not fake/bought.
The Reddit app, for me, is garbage. I am surprised it's not better; it feels like the devs aren't really using it.
definitely