[bobsam]

These guys were on the featured list and showcased in apple commercials before they were suddenly dropped.

I am not sure if this is "withdrawal of special treatment". These guys made great ios apps, both before and after they started making Android apps.

[allover]

The sections you quoted specifically mention special privileges (and that the Dev Rel representative thing is rare).

And it was those things which they lost right, rather than some kind of search position punishment?