In D&D this would pass a group stealth check because more than half of the group passed.

That’s how they pay for Android. Just because you don’t pay a royalty doesn’t mean the software is free. (Even if it is libre)

Aside from inflation and limited benefit of upgrading, subscriptions for every little thing are depleting discretionary income.

Of course. It is a joke, but also a valid commentary on the weakness of WotC’s meta rules system. This is an area Paizo excels at.

Of course it is, that’s the joke - as explained by the headline.

PHB says “attack with a ranged weapon” which is not necessarily a ranged attack.

Correct. It says an attack with a ranged weapon.

Yep. The business model has always been “Lure them in and stifle competition with a low initial cost. Then when we have the market we can jack up the price.” Enshitification at its best.