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Or hidden option c): ask people to donate money.

Well, yes, clearly. But it's been a month since the initial ask, and this sort of "threat":

the fact is right now, OpenBSD will shut down if we do not have the funding to keep the lights on.

suggests the necessary $20k (cash) has not been forthcoming.

P.S. I understand it's not a threat in the sense of ransom etc, but the most correct word is not coming to my mind.

I completely agree with your association. In my view OpenBSD is very plainly holding itself hostage for $20,000 cash and expecting everyone to accomodate them.

Oh, right, I've seen this movie before. [1]

[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_JOGmXpe5I

It's game theory.

All three options exist, but the maintainers pretending that option b doesn't exist at this point in time increases the probability that option c will succeed.

If the pretense doesn't work, be very much assured that they will go with option b.

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