@lapcatsoftware you mention the lack of app reviews on the web - that is also partially Apple’s fault. They shut down their affiliate link program in 2018, which was a reliable way to make money reviewing apps:

https://mjtsai.com/blog/2018/08/02/apple-removes-apps-from-their-affiliate-program/
https://mjtsai.com/blog/2024/10/23/toucharcade-is-shutting-down/

I assume it hit editorial coverage of non-game software the same way. The Sweet Setup had Wirecutter-style roundups/reviews for apps, and now it’s selling productivity courses:

2018: https://web.archive.org/web/20180224074848/https://thesweetsetup.com/
now: https://thesweetsetup.com