>Maybe I am not seeing the situation for what it really is, but my
>perception is that much free software today is just a clone of
>proprietary software packages. 

Most proprietary software packages are clones of other proprietary 
software packages. Most TV shows are clones of other TV shows. Ditto 
women's fashions, cell phone features, wrapping paper,  football offense 
strategies,  country songs, and laptop carry bags.

In other words, we humans tend to copy. True innovation is rare.

On the other hand, out-and-out plaigarism doesn't happen that often either.

-- 
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