I hate when companies start issuing legal threats against OSS software; was planning on buying a 3D printer for my kids. I don't know what brand I'll buy yet, but I now know which brand I will _not_ buy.
Prusa has been the stalwart of a manufacturer in the 3DP space that are not sell outs. That being said I think an interesting alternative to Bambu is Snapmaker. Happen to have picked up a U1 [0] and so far it's been very positive. I have had issues with their packaging of Linux installer for the Orca-based slicer, but nothing I couldn't work around.
It's really hard to recommend Prusa for the average person when non-enclosed printers go for 1k usd and multifilament is >2k, while creality and bambu go for 700 for multifilament, and much cheaper for single filament.
I'm not saying is the wrong thing, but it's the same reason casual users look at framework and balk at prices.
Totally agree, but at the same rate I would tell people: you get what you pay for. It's the same as paying for search or any free vs paid for product. The "others" are great and have been pushing the bounds of price / performance barrier that only machines coming out of China could actually do. I still think there's a rationale for owning Prusa machines (and I still do). Especially for new entrants, 100% agree, it is a hard sell for them given the competition.
Not having an automatic material system a la Bambu is what really puts me off. After having that system with Bambu it's really hard to settle for less.
[0] https://www.snapmaker.com/en-US/snapmaker-u1