Yes, I like to get regular updates. If it's an expensive app I will try it out first but eventually I will buy it for the updates.
That is correct apple accumulates the purchases and bills at that time One can also go in to accounts in your log in and check on purchases You should receive an email when they take your hard earned Apple dollars lol. Keep a copy of purchases so if you decide app was a bad investment you can email Apple for credit.
They probably do it this way because of the transaction fees. PayPal for example has a 30cent transaction fee plus 2.9%. So, if you want to piss off your friends, send them a penny (1cent) through PayPal, it'll cost them 30 cents to get it .
question I feel like this is a really dumb question, but I have an iPad being shipped to my house in a couple days and so far have been looking only for free apps becuase im afraid that once you buy an app it charges you the price every month. Is that the case? Or do you only buy the app once and thats it?
The listed price of the apps are one time only. If there is a subscription involved it will be clear. Many of the apps are very inexpensive so that may be why you are a bit concerned.
When you purchase an app it's a one-off charge for all time. All updates are free. If you accidentally delete the app you can download it again for no charge and Apple keep a record of all your purchases. If you purchase an app and you don't like it or it doesn't work, then you can 'phone the Apple Support Line with the purchase reference number and request a refund and it will be credited to your iTunes account, no questions asked. The purchase reference number is on your iTunes invoice, which Apple send you periodically detailing any purchases you have made. Tim