I suspect that this new unwritten policy is to prepare for the introduction of widgets in iPhone OS 4.0. That would explain why they want to get rid of widget-like apps, why they would try to keep it low-key, plus the timing fits. That the app store reviewer said that Apple 'doesn't like' widgets anymore is probably meaningless; I doubt he knows about Apple HQ's plans or motivations any more than this developer.
Fine, then. Announce changes to the developer agreement, and stop approving widget apps. But don't suddenly pull existing widget apps from the store as if they've suddenly become dangerous to users!
That's not preserving the user experience or maintaining the flexibility of the platform. That's madness.
