I seem not to need an argument since you're making one for me - though you do seem to questioning my honesty which is a bit mean :-( Nonetheless, you're right

I seem not to need an argument since you're making one for me - though you do seem to questioning my honesty which is a bit mean :-( Nonetheless, you're right that I'm going to say that it's simply a fact that each Linux distribution develops software and puts in resources into areas that it believes fit the needs of its users. This is good, and the point of Free Software is we can all work together and collaborate without having the same goals. Let me give you some examples of this: 1. RPM - originated in RedHat, developed by SUSE 2. Real time Linux kernel patches - written by SUSE, expanded by Red Hat 3. GNOME - significant early RH (and Ximian) project, used by lots of people Unity was created by Canonical - it's available for free and any distribution can use it. Please cite an example of where another distribution could not get the code and use it - otherwise you're just blowing smoke. Factually, Canonical has not said 'goodbye' to derivatives. If you're a derivative you get free use of Ubuntu resources (build machines don't run on air by the way) and you follow the community governance model. It's up to each derivative what software it uses - that's the point - it allows each 'sub-community' to work on solutions that it cares about.