As a general user, the Mac app store appeals directly to me.

1.)It is difficult to find good software in one place(solved byMAS)
2.) updates for all apps in a single place -compared to opening each app to update or having extra update software(adobe, Microsoft, etc)
3.) I (we) trust apple. If they approve an app, we trust the app. I hate doing a bunch of research on a developer/software to see if they are legit.
4.) customer service!
5.) credit card assurance. ( apple has our credit card, not a bunch of random developers) <– goes along with trust above
6,)organized and independent product reviews
7.)1st and sometimes only place I look for software

I agree with the whole "limited function" agreement, and wish apple let some good apps in. But the store good/bad will survive and prosper