OpenBSD is one of the few production-grade UN*X projects in existence where you, as an end user, have a direct line to the OS developers, where the developers actually read your email and take the time to respond. You don't get this privilege with Microsoft, and you definitely don't get this privilege with Linux. When's the last time you got to speak to an actual software engineer at Microsoft? When's the last time Linus Torvalds responded to an issue you had with some version of Linux?

One of the reasons I (and others) use OpenBSD is that with OpenBSD we have a direct line to all levels of development. We don't have to deal with mindless tech support engineers or software developers who pass the buck without taking any responsibility for the product as a whole.

Anyone who's dealt with developers knows that you're also dealing with personalities. When you have a direct line to a developer, you're not going to get a smoothed out politicized response. This is particularly true with very creative people who are emotionally involved in their work.

One of the good things about OpenBSD is that, if you disagree, you can now take your issue up with Theo and the OpenBSD developers directly. Perhaps they'll see things your way after some discussion?

Personally, I'd rather have the rough-edged honesty of Theo than a nicely polished noncommital answer, or silence alltogether.

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