Microsoft built WSL because software development and SaaS servers were moving inexorably towards *nix, and Windows was bleeding developers and MSDN subscribers. It was a 'stop the bleeding' move, not an EEE play. They needed to keep corporate developers on Windows, and give IT departments a good answer for "we need Linux support" that didn't involve a MS license count drop. Windows-oriented IT departments also appreciate being able to support developers who need Linux without having to add support for another OS.
There may even be some developers who prefer WSL on Windows over Linux, especially at work. When Group Policy turns off all the adware/spyware and annoyances in Windows 11 Enterprise, it isn't quite as horrible of an experience as it is at home.
There may even be some developers who prefer WSL on Windows over Linux, especially at work. When Group Policy turns off all the adware/spyware and annoyances in Windows 11 Enterprise, it isn't quite as horrible of an experience as it is at home.