At the moment, moreover, it doesn't appear that there are a variety of ratings systems under development representing different values. In fact, a system being created by the Recreational Software Advisory Council, a Microsoft-led industry group, is quickly emerging as a de facto standard.
The problem isn't with PICS, or with ratings, or even with RSAC. The problem is that nobody else is making the effort to set up alternative rating systems. This leaves RSAC as the only option, by default. Let the free speech organizations demonstrate their commitment to their cause by creating their own ratings. Rank sites on the basis of their support of freedom, or on how privacy-friendly their policies are. Even formalize the geek code. Do something, anyway. The solution to bad speech is more speech. Don't suppress, ban, or oppose RSAC. Provide alternatives. Bubba