I think this is excellent news for everyone involved. This frees up Ubuntu's development resources to focus on Unity (which I like), and provides a more stable

I think this is excellent news for everyone involved. This frees up Ubuntu's development resources to focus on Unity (which I like), and provides a more stable revenue stream for Kubuntu. While Kubuntu was reliant on funding from Ubuntu, there was always a (admittedly minor) conflict of interest, and Kubuntu was always going to be a second-class citizen in that respect.