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harrykatsaros said:

We want Apple to allow developers to be able to take advantage of Apple's platform in a way that cuts Apple completely out of that process, while also compromising the security of the platform and the privacy of its users. Hmmm... 

The security of the platform comes from iOS. Apps loaded from alternate app stores would have exactly the same privileges as apps loaded from Apple's app store – just app review is done by a different institution. If you don't trust a institution, you can decide which app stores you trust.

That's the right thing, users should be able to choose.
I don't think it would harm Apple really hard, but it would bring freedom to the platform.
When Apple allows third party app stores, it could be done with maintaining the iOS security model (only app review is done by another company).

EsquireCats said:

Is there a reasonable rationale for Apple not being entitled to the commission? 

Well, I think it's not about that someone get a commission, but that there is only one possible channel (the Apple AppStore) that dictates the commission. Since there are only two platforms (Android and iOS) this is treated as a monopoly.

I like the design and the Touch ID keyboard but I dislike only having 8 / 16 GB memory options and the lack of expansion.

I hope that some of the limits of Apole Silicon will be lifted:

1. no target disk mode

2. more / expandable ram

3. 3rd party graphics hardware