Comment by tzs

> I fail to see how that is different.

A feature request is for something new. A bug report is reporting an error in the already released and distributed software. Here is why that is relevant.

> Ultimately, you have released a piece of software into the wild with a clause stating: "The software is provided 'as is' and the author disclaims all warranties with regard to this software including all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness".

When there is a bug in that released software the 'as is' is not the 'as is' that the developer intended. Probably 99% of free software developers would like to be informed about this, especially if it is software that they are continuing to develop and distribute.

> Thus, it is purely cultural that somehow others and yourself expect you to cancel your family time on a Saturday night solely because an issue has been found in a piece of software you have given away for free

Huh? If I report a bug on a Saturday night (to a free software project or a proprietary project) I expect that someone will look at the report during the normal hours when they look at bug reports and if they decide it is something that needs fixing the work will be scheduled the same way they schedule work to fix bugs that their own testing reveals.