>but rather that Google must not take away the device owner's choice to install any app he so chooses.

This is fair to make and a better strategy. My comment was about calling out the messaging or strategy that the author went with. Choosing an idea of people should be able to decide the apps they are able to run is more agreeable of a message than a message of "think about developers who want to avoid consequences of breaking the law." The latter is an antisocial message that I do not think is as agreeable.

>We all agree that some amount of criminal activity must be tolerated

I don't agree with that. Especially with the upcoming rise of AI law enforcement. Much more freedom than a cell can be given while maintaining effective law enforcement.