While I appreciate the fact that these folks are supposedly providing value-added service, support, and documentation for these tools, which is allowed under the GPL, I can't seem to shake the nagging feeling that this just isn't worth it, no matter what.

AbiWord is now available in a native Aqua version with no install routine, just a simple drag and drop.

Open Office has a relatively simple installer that doesn't require any compiling.

The GIMP comes in a precompiled version called Gimp.app which also doesn't require anything other than a drag and drop.

In addition, package management programs such as Fink and DarwinPorts now have GUIs, and they allow the easy compilation and/or installation of many X11 programs which previously would have been impossible for a newbie to handle.

It's getting to the point where as long as you have a broadband connection, getting these programs on CDs, however convenient, is no longer worth the money.