[Etheryte]

Yes, I was rather neutral at first, but this is a complete dick move on NPM's behalf. Essentially they've just given the module to another owner.

[detaro]

If you delete a module, the name becomes free. Someone else grabbed it and publishing code he has a license to redistribute under it. NPM is "only" fudging with the version number, the author gave the module away.

[Karunamon]

I can't agree. The author licensed the code under WTFPL, meaning he directly authorized anyone to do whatever with it in pretty much the most explicit and unambiguous terms possible.

Here's the WTFPL in it's entirety:

   0. You just DO WHAT THE FUCK YOU WANT