I would avoid reading too much into guidelines like those posted. In his capacity as travelling speaker, RMS is essentially a performer, and all major performe

I would avoid reading too much into guidelines like those posted. In his capacity as travelling speaker, RMS is essentially a performer, and all major performers have lists like this. They have to. They are putting on a show that requires a great deal of time, effort, and planning. If you are inviting them, then they are doing it because you want them to. You do not know what it takes to put on their show. They do. So they are telling you. The audience may react to them in ways you do not expect. They know how audiences react. So they are letting you know how to prepare for it. Yes, it makes them look like prima donnas. But that is not why the lists exist. That said, it is clear that the reality of RMS as primary spokesman for software freedom, has some serious problems. Respectful disagreement is not something we find him doing very often. He has been seen to explode at people over minor issues. He leads a movement that has some of the characteristics of a cult, in which his personal preferences are enshrined as policy. Most tragically, he has created an atmosphere in which supporting software freedom, but having disagreements with RMS, is a difficult position to take. I think this hurts the cause considerably.