They don’t install into appdata to dodge escalation. They’re not hiding. Microsoft has recommended installing into appdata for nearly a decade. Maybe over a decade at this point. It’s how you’re supposed to install applications today, if those applications don’t need elevation to run.
What about multi user sharing of an app? I thought that was the main benefit (at least that's what app installers keep saying the difference is)
What about it? You have to install to a non-user location in order for the application to be used by multiple users.