I[t] seems unfortunate if we do this work and [...] the result is that Linux works great without having to do the work. …

Man I just don't get this mindset of "it was hard for me, can't have it be easy for someone else. Even if it takes additional work, I'll make sure the next person struggles at least as much as me". It's like companies designing a great product and then spending additional develpment time making sure it's not user repairable, even if it means compromising a good design.

We'd still be in the stone age if everyone thougt like that.