I'd say that the LK project has - (a) A formalized well-functioning hierarchy. There are people responsible for each part of the project - networking, vm, file

I'd say that the LK project has - (a) A formalized well-functioning hierarchy. There are people responsible for each part of the project - networking, vm, file systems, etc. (b) Highly skilled C developers. The language appear to have a big influence on how one carries himself in the community. C++ devs tend to be opinionated know-it-alls, Java devs - the same way but friendlier if a bit more condescending, etc. The C crowd is the humbliest by far and this makes the most pleasant to be in, so from this follows... (c) An established culture of mutual respect between the peers. If someone says something dumb, there's always a chance that it is not and you are simply not getting it. As with any community it could've gone in any direction, but in the end it all comes down to the leader. Linus is a witty opinionated, but inherently friendly and polite person, and so is the community in general.