GPL == SOURCECODE
No. It applies to everything copied/derived from/translated from (etc.) anything where any part is covered by GPL. Including binaries.
GPL == COPYRIGHT
Yes, and without it, nothing gives you the right to distribute programs where any part is covered.
YOU FOOL RHEL IS NOT "THE WORK AS WHOLE" AND NOT UNDER GPL-ONLY
Yes, I am only talking about the components where copyright law would consider it a copy or derivative of GPL code. And I didn't say otherwise.
nice that you removed all of my quotes about *source code* in the GPL
They are irrelevant to the discussion of how binaries are equally covered by the 'no additional restrictions' section. The only place where source is different is that if you distribute binaries you are required to also provide matching sources. There is no mention of any exceptions to the requirement to permit redistribution for any covered work in any form.
Everytime I see a discussion like this on the list I feel an urge to switch either to debian or ubuntu lts.