Thus we want to speed the evolution of Linux so it improves as quickly as possible. The Linux experience seems to show that even very complex software is most rapidly debugged by throwing it in front of a lot of savvy users. Therefore, we encourage developers to upload their newest versions of software even if they're not yet perfectly stable. To help Linux spread faster, we make the site as friendly as we can to to non-technical users without compromising our usefulness to developers. The archive is primarily for redistributing freeware sources.
Software evolves fastest when it's freeware and available in source so that anyone can hack with it.
Therefore we honor the Linux tradition of encouraging freeware source sharing, and discouraging more restrictive kinds of licensing and packaging. These may be rejected on submission, and in some cases may be dropped entirely when a true freeware alternative develops. Linux binaries of very well-known Unix freeware may be carried with a pointer back to the source site. Demo binaries of Linux ports of well-known commercial software may be carried if those binaries are freely redistributable. But in general, we dislike restrictions on free redistribution, whether they're commercial or anti-commercial in nature.