That sounds more like straight up working to me. This way he's building features he's interested in and allowing some people to get a sneak peek, if you will.

That sounds more like straight up working to me. This way he's building features he's interested in and allowing some people to get a sneak peek, if you will. I'm not sure how sponsorware is the opposite to the spirit of open source but your proposal would essentially allow someone to buy out the product roadmap which seems worse.