The problem is that the Linux folks haven't indicated that they'd be willing to discuss a payment option. Sure, C&Ds are often just a beginning negotiating tac

The problem is that the Linux folks haven't indicated that they'd be willing to discuss a payment option. Sure, C&Ds are often just a beginning negotiating tactic - but only when the other side expects it. Otherwise, it's just scary. The fact that the guy wrote back looks to be like "hey, I'm a good guy, but I can't possibly afford to change my logo, and I'll use the irritant language to look tough so that you pretty please don't call me on not being able to afford to change the logo on everything". Now, the Linux folks aren't in the business of licensing their logo, so it's probably suboptimal to try to figure out how to do a licensing agreement.