I am merely stating that less restrictions = more freedom (ie more choices of what you can do) to the initial user. I'm also pointing out that this freedom of choices does not translate to downstream users since the previous user is free to choose to restrict it. GPL has less freedom (by virtue of adding restrictions on what can be done), but it does this to make sure all users have equal freedom. Some people value the higher freedom more, other people value the equality more.

Separately, I was pointing out that contributing back upstream is a beneficial and nice thing to do, but is orthogonal to freedom. If anything, forcing it means there is less since the person loses the freedom to choose whether they wish to or not. I'm not judging which is better either, just pointing out the differences. Sometimes less freedom for the individual is better for the whole (to ensure equal freedom for all, or so changes are contributed back), we see it in society too: we give up personal freedom for the benefit of society as a whole.