Docker the tool has been a massive benefit to software development, every now and then I have a moan about the hassle of getting something bootstrapped to run on Docker, but it's still worlds better than the old ways of managing dependencies and making sure everyone on a project is aligned on what versions of things are installed. Unfortunately Docker the company appears to be dying, this is the latest in a long line…
Docker should have been a neat tool made by one enthusiast, just like curl is. Instead it has a multi-million dollar company behind it, and VC's who demand profits from a thing that shouldn't have ever had a business plan.
Instead of adding value to Docker they're just trying to find the right knobs to twist to force people into paying. And I think people should pay for value when they're using Docker substantially for business. But it seems like a very short-minded play for cash disregarding their long-term relationship with users and customers.
All that said: They have to find revenue to continue development of all the things people do like. I'd encourage people to ask if the things they've gotten for free do in fact have value, and if that's the case, maybe disregard the ham-fistedness and pony up if possible.