I don't think the USB-IF had given much thought to the maker community, and makers weren't as big back then when USB-IF put together this program.
I agree with you and hope as well that the USB-IF gives the open-source maker community a break. Although, recently, the Bluetooth SIG (Bluetooth equivalent of the USB-IF) started to charge fees to anyone utilizing Bluetooth in their products, even if you used a module that was already qualified and paid fees. Hopefully the USB-IF won't do the same.
I agree with you and hope as well that the USB-IF gives the open-source maker community a break. Although, recently, the Bluetooth SIG (Bluetooth equivalent of the USB-IF) started to charge fees to anyone utilizing Bluetooth in their products, even if you used a module that was already qualified and paid fees. Hopefully the USB-IF won't do the same.