Perfection is the enemy of good

I understand the need for an imaginary "line" between hardware and software, because the FSF wants to reduce its scope. In an ideal world, all tech (regardless of hardware or software) would be free and open, but that does not seem to be feasible due to market forces. Capitalism drives innovation, but it also encourages secrecy and exploitation.

Against all odds, free software seems to have become a successful minority in the software landscape. On the other hand, free hardware is very much relegated to the margins. So if you don't draw a line somewhere, you can only conclude that freedom is currently completely out of reach. But whenever you *do* draw a line, you'll get unintended consequences, because the line indeed doesn't really make sense.

To end on a hopeful note: free hardware might get a little boost from the recent Right to Repair movement and legislation. That might end up creating a market and legal environment in which full-stack tech freedom becomes feasible.