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". . . Much of the software produced by the open source movement is based on software that companies like Microsoft and AOL have already introduced, and even so they're still not as full featured as the commericial versions. . . ."

Yes Ex-Dem, you are right. And I would add that the real motivation of much of the open source software that has been developed has been to limit user choice when handling applications on their own machines. That is why Hewlett-Packard raised such a hue and cry about being unable to remove Windows Explorer from the Windows operating system for desktop PCs. They didn't want PC users being able to manipulate files to the extent that they might not be forced to use HP software already installed.

And I would add that the real motivation of much of the open source software that has been developed has been to limit user choice when handling applications on their own machines

How much more user choice can you get than being able to modify the operating system and applications yourself? Without buying any sort of license, I've already modified the Firefox code to fit my needs. Could I do that with IE? Not a chance.