There is not a chance in hell of AGS ever becoming commercial. I've met CJ 4 or 5 times now, and every time the question has come up. People have suggested he take donations and such, but he says until the day comes he loses his job and becomes completely penniless he wouldn't ever consider it. So no
As for the free copy thing, it's not a must-do thing, it's just a cheeky little suggestion. I doubt very much CJ would ever block a game's release just because he didn't get his free copy.
