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0e1f616
(Get the code!)
I think it is Canonical's right to enter into agreements with other companies to distribute their software (regardless of the license). That being said I think it is equally important to respect the end-users. I don't like the adware and I especially don't like the fact that the extensions are not clearly labeled as proprietary.
If this product provides a useful service to someone and they are willing to work within the constraints of the license, I think they should use it. That being said, end-users should be told up front when they are installing non-free software. This message need not be derogatory, but it should make it clear that the license is proprietary.
I would also like to offer a couple of suggestions here.
1) I think something like the App Center is a better place to position advertisements for related products. A well designed App Center SHOULD help me find new Free and non-Free software that is related to or similar other applications that I am interested in or have already installed. For example, if I searched for R in the App Center, I think it is reasonable to get a list of base packages that include PSPP, Gretl, and Revolution R, and a few dozen other R extensions. If I am interested in R, it is reasonable to assume I may be interested in these other products as well. As long as the App Center clearly displays the licenes (GLP, Apache, LGPL, Proprietary, etc.), end users can make a well-informed decsion regarding what software to use.
2) I always thought Java's approach to installation was a good one. The old non-free Java installation made you accept or decline the EULA. This way I was given the opportunity to review the license and decide for myself if I wanted to use it or not. I think this is a good way to install other non-free software such as the Microsoft core fonts, Flash, etc. Make it easy, but also give end-users the opportunity to see the license before installing the software when the license is not a Free Software license.
3) Remove or at least minimize the advertisement for the stuff in R.