Hi Mike,
I quite agree with you about the availability of the data being a common resource, obligated by treaty. I was merely pointing out that purchasing the NAIPS system - even though access is currently free for users - isn't likely to interfere with any plans to charge for the use of the data.
I certainly DON't agree that charging for the data is a good thing for the user, let alone moral.
Whilst you see my other point as a browster interface problem for now, writing for specific browsers is still more expensive in the long run. Every time there's a new browser version from what camps are currently supported then a re-write is on the cards to support it. That's hardly a longer term cheap option - hence my point about sticking to open standards.
Ensuring adherence to standards is not really a bespoke cost issue either. The manufacture gains the benefit of a reduced support burden by eliminating many versioning bugs.