I think they like to tout the big numbers, but you're right. They want you to get something they know is good and already popular. That's why we have the recent changes to the app store. It's meant to limit search to things that are already popular, and also put a heavier importance to things like their curated favorites.

It's interesting, even in their favorites recently I seem to be seeing more of the big companies and more of the same apps that have already been featured popping up.