Exactly.
MetaQuotes doesn't earn anything from traders because their client is free.
That gives them the foolish thought they are the boss.
That logic will backfire on them sooner or later because:
a] *Only* traders know what a app should do not the programmer.
b] Users complain at their brokers. Brokers want to keep customers. So they squeeze MetaQuotes a bit. So indirectly the user controls MetaQuotes.
There is a great way to put pressure on MetaQuotes. E-mail you broker and say you heard there is no MT4 api. So you can't trade your system. If they (the broker) don't support a api you have to leave to another broker that support your trading style.