I find this an unnecessary flame. That’s why Apple introduced Smart App Banners for iOS and they work just fine. The problem is just with those redirect you to a separate app download page. http://david-smith.org/blog/2012/09/20/implementing-smart-ap...
Flame of whom? The problem is being nagged, popovered, redirected, or otherwise bothered to install something that does nothing to enhance the content but takes time to install and wastes space on your phone. Apple has indeed recently introduced a partial solution, but as many have pointed out few have adopted it yet.
When I visit the Call of Duty Elite website there's a smart banner telling me to download the app. I went to the website because their iOS app is limited. When I click on the "x" to close it it takes me to the iOS app instead of removing the banner. I lose real estate like you mentioned. Real annoying.
smart banners have made things both better and worse. it's good when sites use them instead of a javascript alert or a full-screen nag, but it's encouraged so many more websites to start nagging you to install their app.
