The core of the problem is right there in the language of the article. As a user installing an app, I want to use it to help me with some problem or task I have. Here are things I absolutely don't care about: "user retention", "engagement", "winning me over". You shouldn't need to win me over; if your tool is useful, I will use it. If notifications are timely and relevant, I will enable them.
I often get the feeling that people making mobile apps have a sales mindset of their users being cattle that needs to be milked, and then act surprised that the cattle doesn't obey.
