It's not just funding. Apple changed webapps to delete indexedDB periodically even if they are inatalled on the home screen.
There's no way to have a great experience if you can't store data permanently.
Ask yourself the same question about Native Apps. Why should any Native App be allowed to store data permanently. The answer to that question is the same for Web Apps.
Web Apps can be every bit as capable as Native Apps except with security and privacy built in. For consumers, businesses and competition, Native Apps need to be relegated to to apps that require cutting edge use cases