You can distribute GPL'ed code in binary form, you just have to make the sources available as well. And, yes I would use this as a test: if your program needs gpl-ed code for some of it's functionality, you have to licence your program according to the GPL - unless you distribute the GPL'ed parts separately and your program is still basically functioning without the GPL'ed code.
Besides this, why not putting your code under the GPL?
GPL is not suitable for all kinds of software. It's nice if you are sharing code with others, but if you are developing something like a desktop application that you want to sell for money, using the GPL is a bad idea.
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hilsen/regards Max M, Denmark
http://www.mxm.dk/ IT's Mad Science -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list