But, in the long run, doesn't this turn us into proverbial paperclip collecting AIs? The mode of sharing and using shared software is also a matter of social responsibility.

E.g., if the author is obviously asking for sponsorship to maintain the project, as a major user/customer, you should consider a donation. Otherwise, you should be stripped of the benefit of the doubt, regarding the question, whether you are a civil person or not. Likewise, you shouldn't engage in actions, which are prone to doom (economically or otherwise) the project you're profiting from.