Simple. Pay to Play is alive and well. It's the exact same with hosting recommendations on WP.org. It's rigged for the ones who can most afford it, or who have friends in high WP places.

For me, I get that companies that can stroke a check are going to get preferred treatment, and there is nothing positive that will result in complaining or worrying about it.

That's good old capitalism at work, baby! Maybe soon we'll see something like PressDaddy?

But, please continue to support GoDaddy hosting. Next to Bluehost, they are the largest provider of customers for us :-)