> They already host source code of millions of apps. Release integration should be trivial to implement.
Release integration is trivial for anyone. It's the easiest and most irrelevant part of the app stores.
> Unlike Google they actually listen to their users. They were awesome during youtube-dl debacle.
And controversial on others, like shutting down Popcorn Time's repository. As any other, they'll listen if there's enough outcry.
> Backed by Microsoft. Microsoft has been playing good by the developers for years now. I trust them more than Apple and Google.
This is situational and opportunistic. It can change any day. In fact, managing an important app store is exactly one way to re-(un)-balance this relationship.
> They could finally give the desktop the app store it deserves
Microsoft won't have GitHub compete with the Microsoft Store and its newer efforts like winget. It would unermine their unifying vision that has been in the works for years for no benefit.
> This is a minor but users will be able to raise issues with developers directly instead writing comments over app pages which I think you would agree completely suck.
Sure, lets pipe user feedback directly into GitHub issues. Good luck with that if you have a hundred issues a day.
I don't think there's a single angle that would paint this as a good idea. Phone manufacturers like Samsung are in a much much better position to try. And indeed they have been trying an failing.