[SpicyLemonZest]

The implicit goal of a project like OpenNIC is to eventually get a seat at the standards compliance table, where they'll be able to convince decisionmakers not to make those assignments in the first place.

For now they do (B). They renamed their .free domain to .libre after ICANN registered .free.

[echelon]

Why don't they purchase gTLDs?

[SpicyLemonZest]

They're ideologically opposed to ICANN's authority over gTLD registration, so even if they could afford to I don't think they'd want to.

[judge2020]

I imagine the cost is too much for them or for any business to sponsor them unless it's by a FAANG-level company. $125k is the cost for gTLDs, and 2-letter TLDs can't be bought.