RMS follows the archetype of the mad philosopher in the marketplace. Unpleasant appearance, unpleasant message, spends much of his time taking pot-shots at the

RMS follows the archetype of the mad philosopher in the marketplace. Unpleasant appearance, unpleasant message, spends much of his time taking pot-shots at the respected players... but in the end people eventually figure out he was probably onto something. It is almost certain he will never be universally respected, but we will remember him. Of course that is a bit of historic revisionism through selection bias, the people with a similar appearance who aren't onto something are soon forgotten, but I think it is becoming clear that RMS will not be playing that role.