In reply to rossnelliot.

In a different discussion on a different site, I mentioned that other decisions that have been made which suggest this sort of bias in decision making. For example, if you submit a theme to WP.org, then you cannot include any functionality but this is a feature of VIP themes.

I was assured that (in that case, at least) its a matter of the uniqueness of the VIP hosting situation and not because allowing only VIP themes with functionality receive the blessing of Wordpress gives Automattic any advantage over competitors.

In all things, the wise person asks, "Cui Bono?"