Any updates on the Mac App Store?

I've got two use cases.

One, I have some clients that really like Apple's walled garden approach to software. Only allowing apps from the App Store makes them feel safe and secure. In addition, the App Store makes software updates extremely easy and convenient. Basically the same reasons they chose an iPhone. While I have shown them how they can temporarily lower Gatekeeper's setting to install 1P from outside the App Store, most are loathe to do it simply because they like being able to manage all their apps from the App Store, and there is a fear that by allowing one app from outside the App Store it opens them up to other threats. Now I have told them this fear is completely unfounded for a plethora of reasons, but many of these clients are older and are far from tech savvy. So even if they logically know that this isn't opening them up to any security risks, they just don't "feel" good about it.

Two, I manage a couple of small businesses and we purposely only allowed apps to be installed from the App Store for both security reasons as well as just ease of use. Most of the computers are shared b/w a couple of people, and it is a lot easier to just prevent users from randomly installing their own apps than try to police what apps they install. Again, I know I can temporarily turn down Gatekeepers setting to allow 1P to install, but that leads down a slippery slope of "if I allow this one app, why can't I allow this one, etc."

As it stands right now, everyone is simply holding on to 1Password 7 for the time being. Everyone knows their options at this point - stick with 1P7 for as long as possible, hope that 1P8 is eventually released on the App Store, or transition to a different password manager that is on the App Store. The vast majority have no desire to switch to a different app, and all are frustrated by feeling like they are stuck in limbo not knowing if 1P8 will ever be on the Mac App Store.

Honestly, and you probably don't have an answer to this (which is frustrating in its own right), I'd really like to know why 1Password isn't on the Mac App Store. Is it a technical or business reason? I've heard that it might be technical due to some sandboxing limitations imposed by the App Store (which affects universal autofill), but I've never gotten confirmation of that. Being able to give my clients some reason as to why it's not on the Mac App Store (be it technical or business related) would go a long ways in helping them to decide to stick with 1P7, make the jump to 1P8 despite it not being on the Mac App Store, or move on to something else.