While I've definitely been in a position of offering to do something for free for someone and not been appreciated for it, I have to say this would really hurt if it were me.
But this is why I've always said that anyone using a "free" service really needs to remember the dangers.
Opening your own domain with a hosting provider costs as little as $5/month or so, and gives you the ability to back up your data and move it to another provider very easily. Anyone with a blog on a "free" blog service should really be looking for one of the paid alternatives. $5-$10/month is a pretty cheap hobby. Heck, I still install weblogs for people for free if they ask (you pay the hosting fees, I do the install). But you don't even need me to do that anymore, what with services like Powerblogs, Cowblog, Bloghosts, TypePad, and so on.
Wow, "hurt" might be too weak word in this instance.
As always "caveat emptor". I realize they didn't buy anything, but you have to be aware. I feel for them, all the same. All the blood, sweat, and tears- gone.
Hopefully they'll get their copies, as promised. But I wouldn't be holding my breath.
Free or not, the guy didn't have to be such an ass about it.
Mason, I think if you had listened to Winer's audio post, the one he asks you to listen to in his post on the subject, you might be withholding the "ass" judgements. Sounds like he did everything in his power to keep the free blogs going, but it just wasn't to be.
Something as simple as a day or two warning would have generated as much sympathy and genuine thanks as his lack of warning did hostility.
*Especially* since, as you say, he was doing everything within his power, and likely knew the effort was doomed.