In my situation I actually prefer open source as well I think it is really what this project is all about, preserving it for everyone not a select few. The reason I took part in this project was because sony would no longer own the server and I knew that I could always use it long after EverQuest died (amazing how long it has lasted compared to other MMOs).
However there are people with different opinions here and that has to be respected, they do spend the time on it and it is their choice whether or not to release those changes to the public.
What you ask seems to be resonating quite a bit with others, but I would say that what is lacking is guidance/leadership in this area, which in one way or another helps p99 be what it is, it has a large team and they have a goal.
See this post which is pretty much what you are asking:
http://www.eqemulator.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40028