I believe it was the Apple fee monopoly that was the central thrust of the anti-trust case, not open distribution of apps themselves. The goal was to allow storefronts to compete on fees.

If Apple was banning apps from alt stores but keeping them listed in their own store, then it would be a legal issue.

I personally I think it defeats the purpose as well, but I'm more concerned with the right for people to do what they wish with their own device. These antitrust court cases can get pretty specific with what they are addressing.

Totally, the only ""freedom"" that they have is the free development program... But they can cancel your account at any time if they wish for "abusing" it, and you even have to refresh apps every week.

Apple does not get to decide what‘s published on alternative stores, but they can revoke certificates still.

Yes