1) the Debian Project 2) the operating system Debian GNU/Linux
I see no reason why one should differentiate between the two. If the GNU project hosted non-free software on ftp.gnu.org, but it wasn't included in the GNU system then it would still be wrong. The goal is 100% freedom, and you don't get it by distributing more non-free software, be it in your system or as part of the project infrastructure.
But since Debian is not the Debian Project but a free operating system distribution, it is not clear why Debian is not listed as a free GNU/Linux distribution on http://www.gnu.org/links/.
Because Debian (the project) hosts non-free software for Debian (the operating system). As Debian (the operating system) is part of Debian (the project), recommending a Debian (the operating system) would be the distribution and support of non-free software that Debian (the project) supports. Recommending the operating system means recommending the project--and its actions--that makes the operating system.
If Debian (the operating system) and Debian (the project, who hosts non-free software (I do not agree 100% since I see no real difference between the project that makes a operating system and the operating system itself, but I'll be flexiblie)) were two completley sperate entities, then Debian (the operating system) would be surley l`isted on http://www.gnu.org/links/.
Sorry for the nitpicking but it seems to be necessary for the discussion to go on...
I welcome nitpicking. But it seems that we are not allowed to have this discussion at all here if we listen to the threats by Stefano Maffulli. Maybe he should do as he preaches and get a killfile instead of threatening people from continuing a discussion that he obviously dislikes, but others wish to continue (if they don't wish to continue it, then they shouldn't reply).