I don't think the community necessarily rejects the idea of a "search engine" project, but the way it was communicated (or lack of) is the main problem.
As well, the foundation has no current strategic plan at the moment. Once there is a plan (formed with community involvement) and it's decided some search project should be a priority, then I think most people would have no problem with such grant funding.
regarding OSM can't use content from Wikipedia... that has nothing to do with share-alike.
the reason is that stuff like coordinates in wikipedia are widely derived from Google Maps or Google Earth. OSM community is concerned that is a violation of database rights or license. Is Google Maps open data? from Wikipedia perspective, coordinates are just facts and not-copyrightable and the US does not have database rights, so it's ok; OSM is based in europe where there are database rights and the community is concerned for other reasons, also and reluctant to accept such Wikipedia-derived contents into OSM.
well, I can set a limit of say 500 euros (or whatever I need) per day. So even with a lot of smaller transactions, there is a point where they would stop.
Damage can still be done, though and I'm not aware if/how I can get alerts for transactions. So I need to remember to check my account often.
Deutsche Bank online banking allows authorizing bank card use in foreign countries. The feature is only available on the German version of their website. I can also set daily / weekly limits for my bank card. For online transactions, I think 2 factor authorization is used. (e.g. enter a TAN)
For my bank account in US, I am not aware of any option for authorizing foreign transactions online (only calling the bank), nor setting usage limits. I can set alerts to be notified for transactions, but only $100+ transactions.
The one time I did get "hacked", it was with another card where I got notified immediately by email each time it was used. So found out quickly when thousands of dollars were being spent on iTunes! I think those were in a rapid series of smaller transactions (can't remember, less than $100 or more, but maybe less). The notifications allowed me to promptly get my card cancelled to at least limit the damage and then was able to get my money back. Lesson is for stuff like iTunes (well, I don't like to use them anymore), but generally to buy gift cards, when possible, for online shopping/services and put the credit onto my account. For more popular places like Amazon or iTunes, gift cards can be bought in many brick and mortar places with cash. Then I don't have to give them my credit card or bank info.
As well, the foundation has no current strategic plan at the moment. Once there is a plan (formed with community involvement) and it's decided some search project should be a priority, then I think most people would have no problem with such grant funding.