This thread has some interesting points but I found discussion unproductive
at times, but here are a few points I'd like to make.
I was interested to hear about microcode, I've heard it mentioned before in a
similar debate about graphics cards, so I will be researching this topic
further.
Even though it wasn't explicitally stated in this thread, it's ridiculous to
suggest that this project should distribute non-free software. Yes, my
computer may be running this non-free firmware already, but it wasn't
installed or distributed by anyone in the Trisquel project and furthermore I
trust the maintainers to continue to reject non-free software.
Without Freedom 1 we can even assertain whether this patch is even an actual
security fix.
Debian's approach of distributing non-free software under a different repo so
as not to endorse it is disingenous but regardless, if a trisquel user wants
to install this microcode update, they could. I install (free)software
outside of the Trisquel repos from time to time, but with caution mind you.
So the argument that the users freedom to install this non-free software is
practically infringed isn't even true, you don't need the distro maintainers
say so or help to do so. Of course you shouldn't install this, you should
reject it as it's non-free software.
The argument that debian respects your freedom absolutely and so this project
should do the same and distribute non-free software is ridiculous.
The argument that someone may be deterred from the free software community
because their computer doesn't work without non-free software may be the case
and a hard truth. But helping them install non-free software would surely be
poor advocacy when other solutions exist like explaining the significance of
the situation.
