Not among Mac developers who distributed their software over the web directly to customers, bypassing the middlemen.

Also, little did we know at the time that the App Store would inaugurate a race to the bottom, devaluing software. What does the cut even matter if you have to sell software at the same price as a music single?

What? No, my point is developers would get a better deal when there isn't a monopoly on the distribution. Is it not obvious that the 27% fee is only possible due to lack of competition? That if there were other stores selling iPhone apps then competition would drive down the 27% fee?