You don't need to use the LLM integration at all if you choose not to and even without it, it's a lovely service.

I've used the LLM only a few times to make a few sysadmin tasks easier that I could have easily done myself.

And? It's a convenience for their users (and most users for sure want this) for easy access to frontier closed and also open models (Fireworks). They advise also there is no markup or profit made for them in providing this managed gateway.

I guess I don't understand the OP's point even. Is there some conflict with providing this service and still being passionate about open source? IMV the answer is no.

Their main software product, Shelley, is open source: https://github.com/boldsoftware/shelley