They bought a 3p app called Alien Blue way back in the day... and proceeded to do virtually nothing beneficial with it. So I don't think they understand the value of proper UX for power users.

Moreover, that's part of the problem: they aren't inflating user numbers, they want to inflate revenue stream. And for whatever reason it was easier to try and force everyone into the app than to try and get ad streams setup in 3p apps. so that's why the cards are falling this way.

Reddit already has an official Android and IOS app, but it has conflicting internal goals that 3rd party clients do not have to prioritize.

Purchasing another 3rd party app won't fix this, and would still necessitate the changes they are taking now (monetizing the API) resulting in the same backlash from the community.

They have stated their goals to close the gap between their official app and the 3rd party apps, but conflicts will always exist which will limit what they are willing to do. Putting some of that financial burden on 3rd parties helps even that playing field to some extent.