FOSS is still not an option.

The software market is not FOSS friendly at all! Note how I call it a "market"? That's because there is money to be made in the software industry. I hate it when people suggest something like free software, (as in beer), and additional paid-for support. That pretty much, makes it viable for only sizable companies, or directed only to a very small niche of clients. How is that appealing at all when you can instead put your application on a website as shareware, and sell it to a broader audience in an easier and less time consuming manner?

Here is the specific reason for my rant:

Take it for granted that I'm developing a fairly innovative piece of software. Naturally as a FOSS advocate (albeit not fanatical), I am considering making my source public. But can I do this while still keeping it as the same level of profitability?

Will being FOSS compliant, matter to my general audience?

Not in general, though I'm sure at least 2% of the people will have second thoughts about using closed source software from an unknown developer.

Will it matter to my competition?

Definitely. I'm sure that at least, providing my own source will help them cut down the developing time for their competing software. Moreover I will assume that some of my competitors will be pretty competent and experienced software houses, that have much more resource than I do. In that case the only thing at my disposal would be my initial momentum in this new market.

I suppose the rant is over. I don't feel so sure about this same post anymore. However I want to pose you a question:

How can a small software house or a lonely developer, release their work as FOSS without laying down a red carpet for the competition to reach his level of development in substantially less time?