> The discussions illustrate how proposing changes to the Linux kernel can be controversial. We imagine these types of discussions happen all the time at software companies, but without becoming public like they do with Linux. What do the CEOs of major software companies say behind closed doors when they hate a proposal made by one of their underlings? We don't know, but when it happens with Linux, we do.
I found this to be interesting. With Linux the final say is by the person with the most technical knowledge. With commercial companies, the decision is delegated by the CEO to a CTO to perhaps a Director or such which is the most technical upper management, but not the most technically knowledgeable. They may delegate to someone who they believe is the best to make a decision, but the trouble is that the chain-of-delegation isn't itself technically aware, so we end up with worse technical decisions. Linux doesn't try to balance the technical with commercial/non-technical concerns.
I found this to be interesting. With Linux the final say is by the person with the most technical knowledge. With commercial companies, the decision is delegated by the CEO to a CTO to perhaps a Director or such which is the most technical upper management, but not the most technically knowledgeable. They may delegate to someone who they believe is the best to make a decision, but the trouble is that the chain-of-delegation isn't itself technically aware, so we end up with worse technical decisions. Linux doesn't try to balance the technical with commercial/non-technical concerns.