Of course, you could just follow the prominent link in the HaD article through to my original post, where the entire conversation is quoted in full.

That is precisely what I was attempting to negotiate, and what inspired that response from USB-IF.

The issue at hand is obtaining VIDs and PIDs; certification is entirely independent of this. Obtaining a VID doesn't allow you to claim your device is compliant, or use the logo.

To clarify: Issuing VIDs, and logo licensing & compliance testing are entirely distinct things. Every USB device must have a unique PID/VID combination, used to identify a device and load correct drivers. In order to produce your own device, you must have a VID of your own (in which case you manage PID allocation), or get a PID from someone else - a practice USB-IF frowns upon outside certain strictly defined circumstances. Obtaining a VID without USB-IF membership costs a one off fee of $5000. Having a VID doesn't entitle you to use the USB logo. Independent of getting a VID, you can become a USB-IF logo licensee or member ($3500, or $4000/year respectively) and certify your devices, whereupon they can bear the USB logo. The HaD post, and my original post that it's based upon, is entirely about the issue of obtaining VIDs and PIDs for hobbyists; certification is a separate matter.