I'd like to comment based on some of the recent emails in this thread.
I decided that trying to cut it down to just the right snippits was a
bit more work than simply stating my thoughts.
Some of us view this as an Open Standard effort rather than an Open
Source project. That is, as long as the standards are open and
unecumbered there may be both Open Source and Proprietary
implementations of them.
Even though feelings are heated I'd ask that people refrain from
bashing individuals or companies. It doesn't move anything forward and
doesn't present us (collectively) in a good light to the larger
community watching the list but not actually participating. This
doesn't mean one can't state arguments in a forceful manner.
I would also like to concur with the support for the position
articulated by Seth.
Mike