[labawi]

While I don't like proprietary firmware, I'm not sure if the line is drawn at a useful place.

If you have firmware/software/whatever in a device, which is updateable (as opposed to mask-rom or hard logic), I'd much rather have it transparently managed by an OS I can control, than some EEPROM with often proprietary, inscrutable, I-ask-you-nicely-please-update-your-firmware update mechanism.

IMO, the difference is:

- with OS provided firmware (and preferably no writable storage), I can be sure my device is running the same SW as the rest of the world

- with dozens of EEPROMs in my device, I can never be sure what is running on it.

Firmware that is legally not redistributable is a non-trivial, though perhaps less bothersome issue. Firmware that requires manufaturer's signature is bothersome but I would still prefer it over inscrutable hidden firmware.