Oh I'm well aware. Version control with something other than zip files isn't compatible with the mindset of embedded developers :P
Right now I've got a dishwasher that pukes on every second cycle. I know it's a software problem, yet their solution is to replace the whole controller board, taking months to diagnose and order a new one. Luckily I don't own it, so I'm only paying for this circus with my time.
The quip about GPL3 was meant as one possible example, although it does line up incentives pretty well. Users should be wary of devices that have worked quite well with mechanical timers/thermostats/etc being replaced with an essentially infinitely complex microcontroller, and the solution for taming that complexity to be the manufacturer retaining indefinite control.