Why is Inkwell stuck in review

Summary

I submitted Inkwell for iOS to Apple for review on April 21st. It has gone through numerous rejections, code changes, resubmissions, clarifications, one phone call, and one appeal to the review board, which I’m still waiting to hear back on. What’s the hold up? I’ve hinted at some of the issues, but I’ve tried hard to be patient with Apple, so I’ve mostly kept my mouth shut while waiting. I’m getting discouraged, though, so it’s time to lay out the problems here, organized by App Review Guideline section numbers: 1.2 — The app didn’t have a way to report objectionable content or block users. This rejection was bizarre to me since it’s an RSS reader where people choose to follow users. However, there are places where you can see replies from Micro.blog users, so I added report and block menu items. Apple also wanted more explicit terms of service and privacy policy links, so I cluttered up our welcome screen with more buttons. 2.1(a) — The Sign in with Apple button didn’t work for Apple. I fixed one potential issue and now hide the button when signing in from Inkwell and from other apps like Unread that can sync with Inkwell. 2.1(b) — A list of questions from Apple about how we make money. I replied to all their questions. 3.1 — The app doesn’t use in-app purchase so that Apple can take a percentage of Micro.blog revenue. I streamlined the app by removing creation features such as posting and highlighting, removed sign-up and external links, and even removed the app from all storefronts except the US, where there are different rules thanks to Epic vs. Apple. I believe it should now qualify under either 3.1.3(a) “reader apps” or 3.1.3(f) “stand-alone companion apps”. 4 — A large bucket of “design” problems, the reviewer rejected it because Sign in with Apple was enabled but still prompted for a user’s name. I’ve fixed some issues and disabled Sign in with Apple in the app. 5.1.1(v) — The app didn’t have a way to delete a Micro.blog account. Inkwell is a companion app ...