What does it mean to discuss free and open software off the record?

Only correct response to Meta.

I can see Meta going ahead with their plan, and everyone blocking them. They will then start bad-mouthing the Fediverse because it's never their fault.

Badass response, thanks for sharing

Not sure if turning down an invitation to discuss is a good thing. You can always say no to the proposals after you have listened to them. Participate in discussions, but don't co-operate with them.

Interesting interaction. Certainly more direct than I'd be but hey that's okay. One piece of feedback for communicating here is to relay the mission and vision you're trying to build. It's indirectly stated here when he states what their objectives should be, but without clearly laying it out there, there's no way for any collaboration to occur.

And this is not to say collaboration with Meta is a good idea, but just overall anyone can't know how to work with you if they don't know what you're building towards.