The rapidly-developing situation between AppGratis and Apple is generating much heat.

Even within the hallowed halls of Steel Media Towers, there are proponents on both sides of the deabte.

Indeed, it would be fair to say that on occasions the debate has spilled into something approaching an argument, not just about Apple and AppGratis, but around the philosophy of the app ecosystem.

Wonder what those experts of rhetoric, the ancient Greeks would have made of it....

Three wise men (or fools)

The scene: we are in a pleasure house in Athens.

Three men are sitting around a table, drinking heavily: Jefficles, an experienced sailor from the west; Ceethiope, a fast-talking, up-and-coming senator; and Xenophon, a playwright of middling dramas.

They are talking about the big news of the day; how the all-powerful Spartans are refusing to transport the cargo of Ionians.

They say it's because the Ionians are re-selling placement on the best ships at a rate higher than the Spartans can themselves manage.

Jefficles: I have seen this all before. The Spartans will not take any underhand dealings. They have strict rules about their cargo. The Ionians are finished.

Ceethiope: I think not, Jefficles. You forget how much money they have taken in future bookings. Even if they cannot trade with the Spartans, they will find other ships. The Persian navy is now mighty.

Jefficles: Pah. The Persians. They may have lots of ships, but many of them have holes in them. And rats that will gnaw your cargo.

Xenophon: You play against type Jefficles. You once were a sailor on Persian ships. Maybe you would be willing to appear in my new drama on free trade. You are in the wrong, but I think you would make a strong performance of it.

Jefficles: Your plays are not of my taste, Xenophon. I would lose my reputation in society should I been seen on your stage.

Ceethiope: Now it's getting to brass tacks. More drinks...

Xenophon: Aha, our true colours are shown. I am surprised Jefficles that a man of your experience clings so tight to a declining power. Even those upstarts the Minoans have larger ships than the Spartans. All they have done is lengthen their craft, while the others build bigger, better to fit the needs of the customers.

Xenophon: And as we all know, this archaic use of Spartan rules is nothing but a ruse.

Jefficles: You landlubbers do not understand the ways of the sea. The Ionians had been warned about their trading patterns. The Spartans had to act and with good reason.

Xenophon: We do not argue they had to right to act, only the hypocrisy of the act itself. It was nothing to do with their high and mighty rules of cargo. It was pure commerce.

Jefficles: Who is transparent in these times?

Ceethiope: Indeed. The move was not about morals, it was about power and success.

Jefficles: Yes.

Xenophon: Aha. We have agreement at last. More drinks...

Jefficles: In the end, Sparta is looking out for its business. Who isn't doing that?

Ceethiope: Yes. We should not act as its chorus, however.

Jefficles: Our difference is your offense taken at the act, while I view it as correct.

Ceethiope: Yet, while the Spartans continue wield their swords, they stop debate. Not only are they against free trade, they also disdain free speech.

Jefficles: Free and free trade speech be disdained. Sparta has her ships and she will control their cargo. Banning the Ionians may only be one small step but its significance will halt others.

Xenophon: Yet, the issue is if Sparta had modern administration, rather than its special handshakes and backroom whispers of favourism for cargo placement, the Ionians and their like would not find such a winning market for their secondary actions.

Jefficles: If you have looked inside an Spartan hold, you would understand how ancient the machinery of motion is; robust and reliable only if you try not to improve it.

Ceethiope: My glass runs dry. I think the Spartans are damn insulting. Why I'd like to tell them what I think of their actions right now! Do they think we are stupid?

Xenophon: Maybe only that you are seeing double... 

Ceethiope: Everything is tainted. The Spartans seek purity that cannot be attained in this life. That is their curse.

Xenophon: Now the hangover commences...

Ceethiope: All we see are shades of grey.

Jefficles: I understand your words, and perhaps even agree. But we must strive for purity. Cannot you see?

Xenophon: He has passed beyond human sight. Perhaps he sees a pink - or slightly grey - elephant?

Ceethiope: I am surrounded by fools. You think the Spartans are your friends. You see not that this blade is double-edged and that in future, it may cut everyone deep.

All (in unison): On this one thing, we can agree. We all are surrounded by fools.