Hold the phone. This policy change is only so apps can't auto-publish to your friends' timelines. It doesn't say anything about auto-publishing to your timeline, which I imagine is still allowed.
An incremental improvement at best.. but still an improvement.
It is my understanding that apps can no longer publish automatically at all ;
"In order to provide users with experiences that meet their expectations, we will no longer approve custom actions that publish stories as people consume content. These apps must use the appropriate built-in actions or create a different sharing experience."
> It is my understanding that apps can no longer publish automatically at all
You are misreading what they are specifically saying. First, we are talking about custom actions. Built in actions that FB provides are still allowed to be auto-published.
Secondly, the restriction is merely on consuming content. You can debate what that means, but performing specific actions can still be auto-shared. However, simply consuming content, using custom actions, will not be permitted.
So, listening to music can still be reported as you listen to music (this is a built in action), but viewing a picture won't fly.
An incremental improvement at best.. but still an improvement.