[belorn]

I get stuff all the time that is presented as free while still having the understanding that there are costs. The streets, parks, education, they are all free if I don't consider that the Swedish government takes about 1/3 of my income.

If a friend helps you there is usually a unspoken contract that you will help them in return. They are not a 1:1 trade but any social relationship is a give and take. Very few things in life has one party that only take and an other that only gives.

[andars]

Realistically, if the government didn't tax and the benefits were available without payment, how many people would voluntarily pay? Many (most?) will accept a free ride when it is available.

The strength of that "unspoken contract" diminishes as you move from personal friend to distant organization.

I agree that this software has value and it would be nice for people to support it monetarily, but it seems unreasonable to get upset when people don't.