A couple years ago I exchanged email with the gitlab ceo on the idea of developing a few huge macro features separately from gitlab. Basically a strategy focuse

A couple years ago I exchanged email with the gitlab ceo on the idea of developing a few huge macro features separately from gitlab. Basically a strategy focused around using gitlab as a customer acquisition channel to sell other related products. He correctly pointed out this meant having more than one product, instead of two versions of the same product. At the time, I strong suspected mixed feelings like yours would crop up among their customer base. I understand why he went the route he did, but I still think they made an error. Of course, it's his company, so I can't be too critical. However when I think gitlab I think 'github knockoff' not 'open source heroes'. Maybe gogs or someone similar could follow that monetization strategy.