Free software encourages the improvement of existing software and the ability to individualize a program to meet unique and specific needs. Free software also encourages those with creative ideas to expand and build upon the ideas of others. I believe this approach would increase and improve the quality of software available. The most common justification given for copying software is cost, with free software cost could be contained and kept lower increasing availability.
I believe software should be copyrightable but it should be up to the owner to decide how they choose to release it. For those that feel that copyright stifles creativity and development the copyleft and GNU Public License is a great option to protect free software and encourage further development.
During our group discussion Mike pointed out that free games have the highest grossing add revenues. We also discussed that for many people some software is cost prohibitive. Free software also offers the opportunity to try programs prior to purchasing a more advanced version.