I do see a point. There are applications that require a compiler - maybe not C on input, maybe not x86 on output, but if the compiler is written nicely, there are clearly reusable parts. Products of both my previous and current company include non-trivial compilers.

Unfortunately gcc is such complex project that there is nobody to speak to if we want to buy (parts of) it relicensed. We did this with another GPL product where the number of authors was small and we were able to negotiate. A BSD-licensed code would be a great advantage.

I understand that GPL people don't like the idea of using code in closed-source products. Fine, no problem with this, I contributed to quite a few GPL products - they help me to do the job, so I give something back. But my stance is that using a BSD-type licensed code in closed-source product is ethically OK as long as one gives back all patches and ideas or helps the product in other ways.