I'm still confused as to why this topic has to polarize. I also don't understand why syndication wasn't a solution.

But what I do understand is that two different (but related) core issues are being blurred here, as gnuite pointed out, and I think this discussion is just gonna stay wrapped around the axle until the 2 distinct conversations are separated. To reiterate, they are:

-using maemo garage (or alternatives) to manage app development

-using maemo downloads (or alternatives) to make finished apps available to end users

There have already been threads created (and HIGHLY populated) for both topics-- so can't we ease back into the best of each one and continue the dialog there? Otherwise I think this is just going to get messier... especially since both sides do have very valid points.