> Debian isn't really trying to lead the charge on making it possible to install arbitrary apps. In fact they're mildly hostile to the idea.

I, for one, welcome our Debian overlords, taking care of stupid users such as myself to protect them from both "arbitrary" applications and from non-obsolete versions of non-arbitrary applications.

And yes-yes, this curated walled-off garden is fine, unlike all others walled-off gardens, because its maintained by "the community" (of Debian maintainers, that is).