Maybe even MS will see the light

The question is not proprietary software versus open source, its really whether it makes sense to have access to source code to improve a software package.

Most users would prefer to have more input to the development process instead of being dictated to by the supplier.

IMHO, most successful software in the past was created by users who then turned around and sold it as a closed source application. With open source the sequence is similar but the process can be one of continuous improvement thereafter.

Open source should make sense to both Labour and Conservative styles of governement so lets just say they've come together on this one.