> A relevant app being boosted during an event could be justified, though better not make it a habit
That doesn't stand if it's only Apple's apps and events that get this special treatment. Did Dropbox's app get a boost during Dropbox promotional events?
Actually, with iOS 15 that would be the case. They introduced events functionality that is supposed to give extra visibility in the App Store for apps with live events.
Check: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/in-app-events/
Anyway, it’s obviously a case of special treatment that was forbidden of being repeated once made aware by the higher management.
That doesn't stand if it's only Apple's apps and events that get this special treatment. Did Dropbox's app get a boost during Dropbox promotional events?