> We'd have Linux on the desktop in 2020 if any of those projects had some Torvalds-like figure ranting on a mailing list about why the user is always right, sh

> We'd have Linux on the desktop in 2020 if any of those projects had some Torvalds-like figure ranting on a mailing list about why the user is always right, shame on you on redesigning the menubar yet again breaking any UI convention for no real purpose, and no, Canonical/Red Hat/whoever, we will not accept this patch that undermines the goals of this project. I don't think a Torvalds like BDFL would save Linux desktop. With the Linux kernel, there is a massive incentive for everyone to circle their wagons around one kernel. By having a single Linux kernel, it makes it much easier for vendors to create drivers and services against. With the desktop, the incentive to stick with "one" desktop solution drops off quickly. If I want a tabbed window manager and one doesn't exist, I create it. This is great for me and the people who want a tabbed window manager, but for the other 95%+ of the population, it's essentially worthless. Multiply that effect by thousands of decision points and you have the Linux desktop: An abundance of fairly mediocre to good options with few really great ones.