This isn’t malware, it’s a scam which is harder to detect. No filtering process is ever 100% successful. I’d argue they do a good job at keeping out most of the junk. A quick look at the Playstore confirms this.
Sideloading is accessible to anyone with 15 minutes to educate themselves on it. I have a torrent client, an ad-free YouTube, and UTM sideloaded on my US iPhone.
I do not want to download a different app launcher for every app I download. Especially given they won’t be restricted to Apple’s strict privacy policies. Imagine a different launcher for every bank card, none of them supporting Wallet anymore.
I realize not everyone will agree with this, but I bought an iPhone for easy of use and because I like Apple’s offerings. I knew about the walled garden going in, and if I didn’t want to participate in it, I would just bought a different phone - as anyone is free to do.
Allow me throw in my original fighter, found him at Natuurhistorisch Museum Maastricht, NL.