Is this true? I've never seen that. Many times the app is heavily suggested, but I've never been locked out of the regular website just because I'm on mobile.
I also believe Mobile Chrome lets you fake a desktop user agent so there's no way for a website to lock out a mobile user.
That said, I totally agree with the OP, these "content apps" are ridiculous and very annoying.
I just tested this in Chrome on Android and it's not true; I'm able to browse Quora all I want without downloading any app (although there is a prominent button that says "View in Quora App").
To be really sure I also tested it in Safari on iOS and the experience is the same.
Is this true? I've never seen that. Many times the app is heavily suggested, but I've never been locked out of the regular website just because I'm on mobile.
I also believe Mobile Chrome lets you fake a desktop user agent so there's no way for a website to lock out a mobile user.
That said, I totally agree with the OP, these "content apps" are ridiculous and very annoying.