At least in North America facts (which is what SV data is) are not considered to be copyrightable. (In Europe I believe there is some protection for databases) This might be a ToS violation but I think most Slashdot'ers would agree those are questionable and that public websites should not have different protection from the phonebook delivered to your door. (Which Yellowpages has previously complained about Google and others "copying")

As someone who looks at SV data regularly and has previously pointed things out to OSVDB maintainers, I would also point out that the majority of the OSVDB database is simply a clone of CVE, thus in reality isn't even "theirs".

Despite the legal action (and victories) by the DoJ it doesn't seem to me like we've had any price drops to reurn us to the pre-cartel pricing. So apparently these guys get a slap on the wrist and will get to keep the fruits of their bad behaviour?

The rate varies by card and the high-end cards can have significant fees atttached. And as stores aren't allowed to pass the fees along to the card holder every person gets stuck paying for the rich guy with the black card. Ignoring that - cartels, collusion and price fixing are illegal.

My observation in Canada is that most places don't take amex.

I think there are two problems, the first being the press does not understand science - and hence run stories about wine being great for you without the understanding that the chemical mentioned is present in such minute quantities as to be irrelevant.

The second issue is that a lot of the public (and hence the press) does not differentiate between proper research and published books or perceived authorities (fuck you Dr Oz and Dr Phil) espousing bullshit.

In summary - one part snake oil, one part losing nuance.