With due respect, ideology is ultimately the only reason that anything gets done. RMS would never have created GNU, with all of its fabulously useful result, h

With due respect, ideology is ultimately the only reason that anything gets done. RMS would never have created GNU, with all of its fabulously useful result, had he merely thought that existing tools were of insufficient quality. The whole point of academia is that people who oppose you are going to take their best shot at ripping your work to shreds. If your work can withstand their worst, we'll all know that it's (probably) really good stuff. Alternatively, if your work blows over in a light wind, better that everyone should know as soon as possible.