Yes, I did mention some ground functionality as well, OK.
I'm unclear about the "insurmountable" though. I am wondering
-) how good is the actual "paid" data - ISTR several flaws mentioned. Even if the "free" data is not perfect,
-) how hard people would find it to verify the relevant data before their flight.
After all, even when using Jeppesen or whoever as a data source, isn't one supposed to cross-check with the relevant AIP?
Then again, drawing a parallel with streetmaps: when I compare the "free" OpenStreetMap with commercial maps widely available on the internet, I find the free data generally more elaborate and more up to date. I certainly hope to include data from the OpenStreetMap database in my project one day, such as major roads, railways, large surfaces of water. If a sufficient team couild be formed over the years, the database has every chance to become just as complete and as dependable as its commercial counterparts.