My memory is not completely the same as yours, but it does seem
   important to be willing to take and improve on things made by people we
   do not trust.
   I lose some technical advantage by using mostly free-licensed software;
   it reduces my options in emergencies.
   Still, it's certainly very important to support whoever tor's next
   competition is.  I'm not remembering the project names I know offhand
   I'm afraid.