> how does that benefit the platform

Why would you care about Apple's profit margins?

What is “the platform” exactly?

iOS/iPad OS? Not hard. I'll rephrase, how does what you want benefit the iOS/iPad ecosystem as it stands?

> "iOS/iPad OS? Not hard."

Using vague terms like "the platform" are not useful. What does an operating system like "iOS/iPad OS" have to do with the "iOS/iPad ecosystem"? You're not clear even in your own reply. Please try to be more precise.

I'll assume what you're really asking is from the perspective of Apple since the benefit for users is clear - it'll help make more apps available which has network effects of more Apple devices and usage.

What incentive does Apple have to give you what you are asking for?

Absolutely nothing.

This is part of why they are being forced to allow sideloading in the EU. As it turns out in the real world, the interests of corporations are often at odds with the interests of every day people.

> ...the interests of corporations are often at odds with the interests of every day people.

The same can be said for governments themselves, and vocal self-righteous minorities on the internet...

It's really not a hard question.