>As to maturing speeds of iPhone and NITs (simplified) :

Closed developement in business has a deadline set.
When that gets close, code must be delivered
with what features time has allowed.

Open software developement is more like scientific research,
when the code is ripe, it is published.


>As to maemo SDK having a steep learning curve ,
a cynical comment:

Nokia at this stage, where the OS needs manpower,
wants (only) really qualified developers.
And with an easy SDK, there might have been to many programs
complaining about non-compatibility as Nokia presents new hardware.

Once the platform has matured, things could get different . . .