That may be the controversy you are concerned about, but for many, the key controversy has been Flash in the browser using a plug-in. Some concrete examples:

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2010/02/21/my-take-on-the-flash...

http://www.roytanck.com/2010/02/28/my-thoughts-on-flash-and-...

http://mashable.com/2010/01/28/flash-ipad/

So talking about the Flash plug-in isn't a straw-man or a made-up controversy, it has been a real point of debate.

Note also that the terms of the developer agreement changed in a way that apparently allows the Flash cross-compiler, so the controversy you are concerned about has now been resolved:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1687857/did-apple-just-open-the-d...

All told, I think it was unfair of you to whip out the straw man accusation.