I like this development because;
It makes it easier to comply with local laws; arrest and fines are annoying, especially when
travelling.
Perhaps in future intel wireless will no longer need non-free binary-blob firmware:
http://bughost.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=1594
People with ham-radio and other licenses may be able to experiment with software radio stuff
while easily complying with their special license.