I have currently been getting free apps from the google market on an android phone emulator on my PC. It is the same steps a phone owner would use but has more setup required.
The biggest drawback to using a phone or emulator to get apps for the edge is that you have to use apps like market enabler or root your phone to change settings so that the market filters will find apps compatible with the eDGe. Then several apps are marked "private" and cannot be backed up to the SD card.

Edit: OncTech's post says the as I posted. PM me if there is interest on setting up market on the emulator and I'll type up directions and find links.

My opinion on this has no harm for getting free apps. For paid apps I would definitely talk to the developer directly.