In fact, it's pretty cool that the only requirement is to stay up to date. Some companies make you pay to get upgrades, which is less secure in a way.
No, what's galling about this is that Docker is used so widely. What about open source projects using Docker? Now you have to apply for an "Open Source Plan"? Great. How does that even work with contributors if they just want to install Docker to check out the project? If a project I was working on depended on Docker, I'm not sure if I'd rather spend time figuring out how to ditch Docker vs fill out their application.
There’s even a subreddit for it.
One of the very few open minded answers I've seen so far. Of course people will complain, specially in HN. Even though I agree Docker's communication and execution wasn't the best, I applaud them since they're trying to monetize their work in a different strategy than the standard "support plan". In the end, I really hope this ends up working for them since it'll ultimately be reflected in the quality of the product.
If you ever launch a Linux version I'll be happily be a paying customer.