A lot of people would complain - most likely the ones that never invested servers, diskspace or labour into CPAN would complain the loudests. Some silent person would start a new, free, CPAN.
...
If you don't like what ActiveState does, don't buy/use their products. Write your own, and distribute them for free. Actions speak louder than words.

Well said. In fact, so well said that I have nothing to add.

Guess I'll be going now :).