Blimey, don't scare the guy off! ;) There's nothing wrong with announcing intentions, and I don't think people should have to 'promise' to do anything. Don't give someone the 'you better not rip us off' treatment as soon as they walk in the door.
I know part of the reason for these well-intentioned--though not the most welcoming--comments is because he announced his project in the XØ thread (which was a questionable idea), but still...