"... technical understanding isn't the only facet of being a software developer." True, but consider that some commenters might be commenting as end users of o

"... technical understanding isn't the only facet of being a software developer." True, but consider that some commenters might be commenting as end users of open source UNIX-like OS, not as salaried software developers. In that case, there is nothing in this email exchange to suggest he could not be a valuable contributor to a UNIX-like project, paid or unpaid. As an end user, I could care less whether developers are adept at dealing with recruiters (though I might sympathize them for the BS they must endure). What I care about as an end user is whether they can write portable code. Given that these companies are dedicated to selling web ads, it really makes me wonder how "progress" would be defined in your chosen context. I am not sure that UNIX or Linux would even exist were it not for the type of person you are describing. There is nothing wrong with having technical understanding or working elsewhere besides companies selling web ads. That is where true "progress" has come from in the past and I think it is likely to come from in future. Just my opinion.