That feels like the start of talking past each other here heh. GP is making a values statement. If a good product gets to be exempt from the values in someone’s value system, then any product is.
More likely here following the law in this instance isn’t part of your value system, and neither is free/libre software being used on its authors’ terms, so you are (internally) free to decide to buy something even if it doesn’t adhere to the GPL. If I’m right about that, adherence to these things is a (maybe very-)nice-to-have rather than a core value, whereas the GP I think is coming from a place where one of those is a core value.
> Unfortunately Onyx Boox offers one of a kind products which its competitors don't really come close.
I wonder if absent the Linux kernel they be capable of offering a one of a kind product? It would be more accurate here to say that if they could keep their code proprietary that would be nice for them, but unfortunately the Linux kernel offers them a one of a kind base to build a product on and so they need to take the compromise and release their modifications as GPL if they want to be able to build a good product.
What makes the Boox tablets unique isn't their Linux kernel, it's their customizations to Android to make the UI more usable on a slow e-Ink display. They could release their kernel sources to comply with the GPL and still keep their Android skin to themselves, just like every other Android device manufacturer does.
Remarkable 2 can't even run Android apps, the main selling point of Onyx Boox. You can't read Kindle book, Libby, whatever service your local library use, etc.
