I think the role of a tab in a code editor is different from the role of a tab in a document editor. I have always used dedicated code editors and prefer tabs (

I think the role of a tab in a code editor is different from the role of a tab in a document editor. I have always used dedicated code editors and prefer tabs (but like you, I use and specify spaces for code style). I think people who use editors that are multi-purpose generally see these alternate usages of tab as problematic or even illogical. I think this is often the linux people, and they are often the most experienced and influential coders. I think that is why spaces are generally seen as the preferred method.