i don't know what exactly was in question in the kernel, that the lawyers had to worry about, but From EAR rules... "note that open source software can still be subject to export control measures if it includes technologies or functionalities that are regulated. In such cases, specific controls may be applied to prevent the unauthorized export of these technologies or functionalities."
IF something was deemed controlled, it makes sense to pull it so kernel can ship anywhere, and whomever received it can do their own tweaks
I think the commentor meant in regard to US restrictions that may get imposed on a project, since they have odd ITAR/EAR controls. Moving sonewhere with less export restrictions could alter choices of development.