Ultimately, the "Open Source" argument is academic.
What does this statement mean? "Open Source" has no value or Arduino is not open or what?
Edit:
Arduino is a business so what is strange about a relationship with Atmel?
"Open Source" cultures do not mix well with regimented, secretive, proprietary, corporate cultures like ATMEL.
Arduino has relationships with distributors and the company or companies that manufacture hardware. See the web for video tour: