Why is there a review process at all? There's no review process for OS X
Um, you can bet there will be a "review process" if you approach Apple and ask them to distribute your OS X application.
There are few if any parallels between independent PC/Mac distribution and iPhone distribution. A better comparison would be with game consoles, where each manufacturer has a strict list of requirements before they'll give you a distribution key. In that light, Apple's policies are downright liberal.