IIRC, the term predates Android, and was originally coined to refer to installing non-apple applications on the original iPhone. At the time, this could only be done via cable. So, as distinct from “downloading” from the app store to the device, it does make a certain kind of sense. It’s been accepted into the vernacular with a slightly warped meaning, but that’s language for you.

This isn’t -bad- news, but I’m still not impressed. They could have just, you know, not done it in the first place. They don’t get credit for partially walking back a bad decision. The “advanced flow” is more likely a dark pattern, and will still have a chilling effect on FOSS uptake and distribution, which is still the intended purpose of the change.