As to how independent should you be, how independent can you be. I'm not talking about Red Gate, I'm talking about Microsoft. Personally, where Microsoft leads, I follow. Not because I've got some faith in the company, its leadership or their products, but because they've, indirectly, paid me a lot of money over the years. So, I critique them but I follow along behind them none the less.

I suspect you'll be as independent as you can be. Some may see that as comprimised and others will be more realistic. I guess the occasional critical comment or review of Red Gate will probably be enough to demonstrate that editorial policy is not slanted their way. At some point, certainly not currently, they'll come out with some totally boneheaded product which will richly deserve a fierce beating about the face & neck. Don't hold back. I don't think much more can be asked of you.