mikelove said:
there's no way to install arbitrary data files to an iPhone, that's the problem - you have to either download them directly from the phone or have them be part of the initial application bundle. So we're stuck choosing between a) a small, efficient, fast application that requires a WiFi connection to download add-on data files, or b) a big, bloated, difficult-to-update application that has all of its add-ons built-in. Our download manager supports multiple mirror servers and lets you switch between then mid-download (along with pause / resume / etc), so you'd be able to get data files from Hong Kong or elsewhere just like you can with our current software.
I'm not sure if this is just differences in terminology and I'm just misunderstanding what you are saying, but it is certainly possible to have one app access data files of another app on the iPhone, in order to create modular-like packages.
For example Dianhua Dictionary (JSQ) is able to playback the audio files that are part of the separate app, Dianhua Audio Module, and WordWeb Dictionary (WordWeb Software) is able to cross-reference entries from other titles from the company.
It would be possible to list say, Pleco Dictionary Engine, Pleco Stroke Order, Pleco Audio, ABC Dictionary for Pleco, etc as individual products on the App Store, meaning you can avoid having to put out a bloated monolithic bundle, and/or several popular bundles, which as you said would be a pain to maintain since you'd need to submit the whole bundle every time you make a change, even if it only affects one of the modules.
The main downside to this option is that individual modules still appear as an app on the iPhone, and as per Apple's guidelines, need to provide some measure of standalone functionality.
Anyway, just thought I'd mention this as a possible Plan B, in case there are problems getting the current design approved.