So, I’m not so surprised that they chose to do the same with the iPhone SDK, although it seems to have gotten much more publicity.

I think they try to make a carefully directed argument for the benefits of having more strictly controlled software, especially when they want to maintain their reputation (specifically with the non-DIY and more “artsy” portion Apple consumer base) as the provider of cool technology that requires very little effort on the part of the user to maintain, debug, etc. You said that they aren’t charging people for the right to post their software, so it does seem much more like a “quality control” (from their perspective) effort.

I’m not saying it’s right, as you’ve made strong arguments yourself for the benefits of open source specifically for the purposes of having a secure, robust product in the long run (after perhaps a lot of frustrating experiences in the short term).

I just don’t think that this is necessarily any more ominous or much different than Apple’s MO in the past, and I think it makes sense for them if they want to maintain the same image they’ve cultivated over the last several years.