My argument isn't that this Ruby version is so compelling it deserves to exist. I think restricting creativity "because I made it" is a stupid reason. Maybe others would have (are?) making useful "X The Hard Way" books stop because of this. I don't see what the benefit of him restricting it is.
Copy & paste probably won't make a useful Ruby book.
"Seems like everyone is so sensitive about the sanctity of their ideas."
That's the pain of dealing with other human beings as if they are human beings and not just web sites or github repositories.