Sierra_Dad - 11:16 pm on Sep 23, 2010 (gmt 0)

It's perfectly understandable to resent the $100 registration on principle. However, whether you develop for WP7 is a business decision. If you cannot get enough value for the $100, don't pay it.

I'm a scruffy at home developer too, but I wouldn't spend time on an app that would make less than $100. YMMV.

The hardware for testing is a consideration, true. I never got a free Android phone because I didn't get into it early enough. I've got plenty of Android work right now, but if I did get a free phone, it might tip the scales to me starting earlier and not waiting a few months to see how customers respond and for them to work out more of the initial bugs.

Sure, WP7 is a risk. The risks I see are:
Will enough customers flock to the platform?
Will they be willing to pay for apps?

If the above is true, I think Microsoft's commitment to the platform will stick.

If I do develop for WP7, I'm okay if the $100 fee and paperwork keep other developers away. You know about supply and demand, right?