For simple utility apps that cost less then $5 you really can't do your own distribution model, the amount of money you would make is paltry compared to the dollars the MAS brings in. Trust me, I know http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/space-gremlin/id414515628?mt=...

I'm sad to see that this move by apple will kill off a lot of utility apps that are bringing in decent income for people.