Free software

Several days ago in class, we watched a video about the free software and open source movements.  The first thing about the video that struck me was how blatantly anti-Microsoft it was.  To some of the speakers, it seemed that Microsoft's concept of copyrighted software was a mockery to all they held dear!  A major theme of the presentation was that software should be free to distribute, modify, and redistribute without charge.  I believe the entire concept to be impractical.  Can hordes of people afford to devote so much time to large-scale software projects that will generate no revenue?  Most people hardly have time to balance work, continuing education, family, and other demands of life!  Who would be capable of funding these projects?  The government?  If so, which government?  I think we'd have a plethora of shoddy programs floating around the nets.  Paying for software gives a person or a company the time and resources necessary to build a product worth using!