So, GitLab it is? Or will we see a resurgence in SourceForge?
Also why did the Github owners agree to be paid in Microsoft stock instead of real money?
I think it's safe to say that Microsoft offered them a much lower price in cash (potentially billions lower), which is why they went for the stocks.
It's actually a very smart move from Microsoft with how its stocks are hovering around their all time high levels, where in current state of the stock market, a correction might be due. In other words, Microsoft wisely hedged a potential downfall of its own stocks by acquiring GitHub. By the time the stock market correction has taken place, they will buy back their stocks at much lower levels. It's a game that's being played, where the wealthiest always have the main advantage.
Yeah, it's generally good business sense if you're not looking to liquidate and cash out. Microsoft stocks still have a lot of potential to grow over the long-term, and can find ready buyers should a later need come to liquidate that. With MS pursuing blockchain itself, there's no reason to think GH's acquisition will also propel the stocks later on.
Smart moves can be expected from MS, Bill Gates or not, his acumen seems to have been inherited.