Coen JacobsWordPress(.org) is a single point of control over plugin distribution. One entity controls the directory. One entity controls the update mechanism. One entity decides who gets to ship. I think the future of WordPress product distribution is decentralised: https://coenjacobs.com/blog/future-wordpress-product-distribution-decentralised/
Otto@coenjacobs You do realize that that whole "centralized area" costs actual real world moneys to maintain and use right? I'm talking millions of dollars every year. If you actually have a better solution, they would probably totally be for it because it would save them MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year.
@otto42 Of course I do. That's beyond the scope of this argument, imho. This is the gist (from my post): "When a single entity controls the primary distribution channel and the update mechanism, every developer who depends on that channel is operating at the discretion of that entity."
This is not a discussion about money, it's about the ethics and philosophy behind the project and its governance. The money bit complicates things, yes, but is not the main factor.