The problem, in my opinion, is that unlike Linux, recreating the important parts of Java as open source wouldn't be fun. The issue isn't the VM, or the compile

The problem, in my opinion, is that unlike Linux, recreating the important parts of Java as open source wouldn't be fun. The issue isn't the VM, or the compilers or anything like that (which exist and _are_ open source) or the standard libraries (which IIRC are also open source as much as is possible), it's the patent portfolio and the JCK and JCP. If someone wants to fork Java, they'll have to replace the JCK to get any sort of traction. Hackers enjoy hacking on software, not fixing compatibility test suites and setting up standards bodies. Java's dead, and it's because it's gotten to the point where it really, really needs a large player behind it, paying for lawyers and politicians (more lawyers).