It's not technically required with direct pulls, but practically there has to be some way of coordinating patch exchanges. Even when using mailing lists for sending patches, the list hosting provider is subject to disrupting development in the event of a takedown.

Also, aren't both Launchpad and Savannah both code hosting repositories too?

>Even when using mailing lists for sending patches, the list hosting provider is subject to disrupting development in the event of a takedown.

But my inbox, and everyone's inbox that participates in it, would have a copy.

I think mailing lists solve A LOT of problems that we are having now.

the dmca's were a result of 'intent' which the law is more than willing to enforce imaginary IP laws. this becomes an eternal cat and mouse game where the foss community will tend to lose against these leeches.