I don't think that's how open source works, in practice. A project like this tends to gravitate around a single leader of some sort: I can think of several exam

I don't think that's how open source works, in practice. A project like this tends to gravitate around a single leader of some sort: I can think of several examples. That leader might very well be impolite or opinionated but they deliver a single communicable vision and other contributors tend to be neither able to, nor welcome to supplant that. I read all the way through, looking for the answer to the posted question, since VCV Rack interests me. Latest I heard about Andrew and VCV Rack, he'd got mad at Apple's M1 processors (presumably because he makes heavy use of Intel assembly code?) and shows no interest in developing for 'em. If Rack stumbles, I think it'll more likely be due to some personal animus of that nature, rather than the fact of Andrew being a big meanie. The role of a leader in a project of this type is to be, if not a big meanie, then at least a big definer of what the project is and isn't. This will always alienate some people. Does that matter? Depends on what they're being alienated about. I don't think VCV Rack is the right place for Aria, and I think she's wise to step away. Can't say as I agree with all of her points but then I'm not her so I don't have to.