Aftermath of BitKeeper

No More Free BitKeeper:

"A vocal group has long protested Linus' use of BitKeeper, considering Linux the free and open source flagship product. GNU Project founder Richard Stallman [interview] is among the protestors, harshly criticizing Linus' decision to use a non-free (as in freedom) tool "

I have to say I think Richard was right - why sacrifice so much to get a tool which forces Linus to look at things in less detail? Was there no other way?

Was the OSDL contractor working in his own time? Do we want a system where an open community turns into the Marine core to "discipline" its members? I don't think so.

Or have the BitKeeper folks realised that they need to focus on a different market? Why not just say so and leave quietly?