Is it really that distasteful? I think it's a beautiful scheme, it allows the code to be free and obligatory open source, so a true contribution, whilst the possibility for the project leader to make money remains open.
You can always fork the project, put your own branding on it and make money off your contributions still :) It's just not possible to make money under their brand, or in a closed source product.
You can always fork the project, put your own branding on it and make money off your contributions still :) It's just not possible to make money under their brand, or in a closed source product.