It's not mentioned in the article, but the reason the pawpaw isn't more widespread is because it doesn't ship or keep well. Several years ago there were some attempts to get it distributed by freezing it and it sounds like a lot of the uses in the article are as an ingredient in something else.
The pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to the United States, and the crop typically ripens in the fall. It has a shelf life of just two to three days, which makes selling it harder.
I mean, it is mentioned, but you're right its a challenge. That challenge in mind, maybe it has better potential in local gardens