I understand that there is experimentation and innovation inside and on top of the Linux kernel, but that still leads to some kind of local optimum, the best ap

I understand that there is experimentation and innovation inside and on top of the Linux kernel, but that still leads to some kind of local optimum, the best approach that fits within the design and implementation of the Linux kernel. I'm not saying this is necessarily a problem, but it risks becoming a problem. It's clear we're seeing reduced investment in Linux competitors in exchange for Linux flavours from large players the past decade or so.