The quilt business in all its aspects is no different than other businesses, small and large. It is up to the consumer whether to patronize locale businesses or not. The fact of the costs of running a business, such as basic overhead, is immaterial to most consumers. Not to put too fine a point on it, but a retailer's overhead is of no interest to me. I they want to offer a free pattern in hopes of generating other business, that's okay with me. That part of their marketing strategy is up to them. Speaking for myself, with all the wonderul, creative free quilt patterns available I wonder why anyone would pay for one.