The packages that make up Debian MUST NOT recommend or depend upon non-free software (this is part of debian-policy s2.2.1). Saying otherwise is lying, plain and simple.
Now you are really deluding yourself. There are lots of packages that recommend and depend on non-free software in Debian, namley you have the whole non-free repository, and then you have contrib which is meant for software that depends on non-free software. Then you have packages in main that either depend or recommend non-free packages.
I'll give you examples even, first thing that I found: krusader, clamav, file-roller, amavisd-new in main suggests lha from non-free.
Before you start calling me a liar, I suggest you stop taking whatever drugs your doctor subscribed you.
When debian finds non-free software in the distribution, it is promptly removed. No difference, but a double standard.
No, it gets put into another place, called non-free. It doesn't get removed. Non-free is part of Debian. You redefining that it isn't just so you can feel good about it is just sad.