But you said "I don't understand why anyone in their right mind would go to the trouble of making their product open-source." The "trouble" of going open source is the same trouble as any other business expense, whether that is developer time, security audits, etc. If that's Gitlab's business model, and open source really was their only choice for a sustainable business model, it's not hard for me to understand why they went open source. Your phrasing only makes sense if they were doing something they didn't need to do.
Also, beside the point. I agree it is not nasty on the surface. But it sure is a callous sentiment—you will submit to our privacy invasion or take a hike. FU indeed.
Umm...that's their business model. It's not an act of generosity. It was a decision that they thought was in their best interest.
Do you also think Facebook and Google are making their products free out of the goodness of their hearts?