I think it's a good move on Microsoft's part to attract people to the console. For those who are serious or just curious it gives a doorway and, if the statements in the article hold, all the tools needed to make a great game. I'm skeptical about how the publishing would go since they seemed a little vague. The interviewer sited how low barrier app entries for IOS has huge flaws the rep for MS didn't give a real answer and kinda just danced around the question. I think it's a big concern that they raise the bar a little to prevent low quality games but I think MS might do well to learn from how Steam has done their releases.
Overall, I' happy Microsoft is doing something I think is worth while for a console that may not see much of a warm reception at launch.