Is this something we (as consumers of FreeBSD) need to be aware of?

[Nomen Nescio]

This is really missing the point. The issue is not open source
vs. proprietary although many people seem to try to steer everything into
that meaningless conflict.

The point is the WinTel Mafia's many years of collusion and screwing over
the customer. Try to buy a commodity PC in any major store and it will come
with Windows, and you have to pay for it. Now the WinTel Mafia got many
companies onboard with their system to lock you out from the box you just
bought. Bad enough it comes with Windows and you had to pay for it, and you
don't even get an install disk. But the WinTel Mafia adds insult to injury
and stops you from installing whatever software you want on it.

What does this have to do with OSS v. proprietary source? Nothing!

It is just about the WinTel Mafia's illegal, abuse trade practices.