iBook Author widgets in Pages (please)

We are recent converts to e- and iBooks, having been a paper publisher. We quickly loved the interactive qualities of iBooks Author, which completely set it apart from the competition. The whole immersive experience that is possible is just what Apple do so well. We included slideshows created in keynote, and scrolling sidebars that save pages of space for info and make the product simpler and easier to find your way around.

So why has Apple, who had a brilliant app in iBooks, downgraded it to something no better than a kindle reader app? We were aware that iBooks don't export to eBook format so are only available via iTunes, but surely developers can make the app better rather than strip out anything that makes it interesting?

Net result for us is we are delaying any upgrade beyond Mojave in the hope this will be addressed in future updates, but as a Mac user since 1990 I have a feeling iBook Author will be discontinued before long - in line with Apple's policy of not really caring about it's customers. Very annoying and frustrating. I have Catalina on a bootable drive so I can keep other things up to date.