It's not fair to lump all App-Store freemium games together. Nor do I appreciate your characterization of enjoying a videogame as "addiction". Some are money-grabbing cesspits, but others are well-designed freemium games. Clash of Clans comes to mind as an exceptionally well-designed freemium game. I've spent money on it yes, but for the amount of enjoyment I've received, and the camaraderie (someone in my clan bought me Reddit gold), Supercell has earned their money.
I'm actually saying that the "predatory money extracting non-games" aren't necessarily that. I get a strong whiff of "get off my lawn" vibes from the people who hate that business model for gaming. I'd prefer a more nuanced discussion that didn't dismiss all such games out-of-hand. For a forum that loves (LOVES) freemium startup models, it sure hates on the freemium model applied to video games.
I'm not sure what you mean. The post you linked to is pure flame-bait that furthers little meaningful discussion. There is room in the App Store for both "time vs. money"-type freemium games and everyone-pays-up-front games. Sure, some people will burn out on freemium games, but I myself have burned out (a bit) on "pay up front" games (I've spent hundreds, if not thousands on Steam on games I have never played...) At least with freemium games I only have to open my wallet after I've decided I really like it.
