Hopefully systems like Slackware, Gentoo and Crux can stay away from it, but once systemd becomes entrenched to the point that applications are dependent on it, avoiding it may not be possible. Gnome for example. No systemd, no Gnome. If distros continue offering Gnome, they must use systemd. Other software must then also be systemd-compatible. I do not like following this line of reason to its ultimate conclusion.

I definitely do not advocate competing with anyone. I disagree with enticing Windows users by offering Windows clones. Offer a good system. People who want to use something different and better will use it. Focusing on making it easy to use Windows applications with Linux is stupid. If someone is going to use Windows applications, the best course of action is to continue using Windows.

Visiting a few web sites and reading about those distributions is too quick and easy. It makes more sense to post a question and wait several days for people to post the information. At least it makes sense to those who want others to do their thinking for them.

Yes, Red Hat has done a wonderful job of promoting their shit. Apparently it is quite easy to brainwash people into believing it is up to non-believers to prove that the new thing is not sufficiently better than the old to warrant it replacing the old thing. I always thought the onus was on the believers to prove the new thing is so much better than the old that it should be adopted, but I am old-fashioned.

Unfortunately, the day may come when there will be no alternative. Of course, the destruction of Linux was inevitable. As Linux gained a little popularity, corporate interests got involved, made changes to "polish" the system and attract Windows users with a free (no money, who gives a shit about free software) so they could could make more money. Systemd is simply a symptom of the problem. The future of Linux is bleak. Soon Linux will consist of three locked-down corporate systems competing with Windows and Apple.

That letter showed up yesterday in a an on-going discussion on the smaller Debian forum. Quite a few long-time Debian users are worried about the distribution's future.

I was banned from a forum not that long ago. Although the teenage moderator on a power trip banned my account after I left the board in disgust. So it does not count as a real ban.

So we should make the problem even worse? Great idea. Chase away the few knowledgeable people left. Boards will be completely useless when the only people on them are the blind leading the blind.
I do not know what 1337 is. Hip, cool?
I am not an advocate of elite users. Since the freedom and power Linux gives users over the computer requires learning at least the basics, it is wrong to abandon the belief users should be expected to adapt. Catering to clueless people who do not want to learn does not make Linux stronger. That and the corporate influence responsible will be the destruction of Linux, and perhaps BSD as well.

True. How does one say no to one's mother?

The problem with DFN is that there are almost no knowledgeable people left. The board is now dominated by: a few loud ignoramaces who bully new-comers, but are incapable of answering questions; and many idiots who insist that Debian will only work properly after being configured to work like Ubuntu. DUF was much better, but is now almost dead.