I don't see the problem with open source work, any more than I do with legal folk and pro bono work. I do however take your point on the rest. Essentially we are treated how we let the folks treat us. I think this is partly an endemic cultural thing though in big American firms, and firms that emulate them, where they publically say that tech is the lifeblood of their firm, but privately treat it as a cost centre to be mercilessly cut to as close to zero as possible.