I know that because gnewsense doesn't use non-free drivers there are lots of issues with compatibility. I know that the ubuntu database program automatically scans and makes a list of all the hardware. Would it be feasable to compare that to a database of hardware KNOWN to have problems with gnewsense and automatically make letters for users to send to companies urging them to open up? I know projects like binaryfreedom are in this domain, but getting something like that packaged with gnewsense to run on first-run might get a lot of emails in that activist projects might not get. I'm happy to help with research on companies, finding emails, maintaining the DB, etc. Just throwing it out, comments appreciated.
Ringo Kamens