I think they're specifically mad about the app installing itself automatically. Free first-party content is fine, but preinstalling it for each user feels like borderline-promotion. Similar to the "generous" U2 giveaway that some of us still have as scars on our Apple Music library.
I have no dog in this fight. My $0.02 is that I prefer when all manufacturers (Apple, Android or otherwise) don't preinstall optional software, and let me install it myself if I want it. I empathize with the OP.