I get where you're coming from, honestly. I'm even sort-of in the same boat, in terms of not using GPL code in my project either. I guess the main difference is that I have absolutely no problem with the existence of a whole boatload of code that doesn't fit in my project and you do. I want the right to use any license I choose to, and therefore it behooves me to respect that choice without complaint when others make it.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to do something that won't allow you to use GPL code. I am not using GPL code in the roguelike game, because GPL would allow someone else to "take over" development without my cooperation and I want to retain artistic control over what content goes into the official version of the game.
That said, I don't have any problem at all with someone reusing my code. I just don't want people introducing overpowered crap that will screw up game balance or design, and in doing so pretending to be a later, presumed "improved", version of the same game. If they make a game with different content, I want them to be required to identify it as a different game.
So I picked the Artistic License instead of GPL. People can copy the code, use it, change it, build new stuff on it, whatever -- but they can't release a changed version or derived work pretending to be a later version or continuation of my development. If they want to release something based on my code, it cannot continue to use my project name.
Not using GPL code in my project (because it won't allow me to relicense it under the Artistic License) means I have free access to all the public-domain code that people posted and released in rgrd, free access to all the LGPL code like standard libraries, compilers, etc, and although I haven't searched for it, I suppose there is other Artistic-License code out there that I could use at will if it seems appropriate.
That's enough. The people who really wanted a copyleft on their code weren't writing it for my use, and I respect that. That was their right, they exercised it, and it is a point of pride, not to mention the right thing to do, to honor and abide by that decision. I want the power to make that same decision myself, and have others abide by my choice in copyright. I'm sure as HELL not going to gripe about the choices others made.