To solve 1, if you don't mind using PayPal, you can use an AmEx through them. I know using PayPal brings up a whole extra line of issues, but it does solve the first problem.
I think the two overlap more than you think. There has always been a group of people in society whose entertainment is talking about the news, almost as a form of gossip.
With that being said, while the idea makes sense, the Facebook implementation has fallen flat.
Alternatively, it just may be another barrier so that they get more committed developers rather than people that know the word developer and want a cheap Touchpad.