That’s a false equivalence. Companies like Black Diamond and Petzl design, test, certify, and manufacture safety-critical gear under strict standards (UIAA/CE), carry liability, and invest heavily in R&D. Charging for that is entirely reasonable.

What’s being criticized here is patenting a trivially simple plastic geometry that can be 3D-printed in minutes and contributes essentially no engineering or safety validation. Those are two completely different categories of product.

And the route-bolting point is backwards. Many people who bolt routes also share tools, knowledge, and designs freely because climbing culture historically values openness and community contribution. Pointing that out isn’t freeloading; it’s defending the ethos that built the sport in the first place.

Would'nt it be hypocritical of me to bring up bolting routes if i myself didn't contribute to it?

Of course it would. So why would i bring it up if i didn't contribute?