I can't help but notice that two of the people in this thread that
are speaking positively about integration of effort between Free and
Net are two significant contributors from each side.

Michael Graff and Jordan Hubbard

Seems like the next step is for them to begin working on getting
changes moved in the easiest direction, and to accept help from 
others interested in helping.

Who in either camp doesn't want this to happen? I sense that they
are a minority.