I kind of agree. The Linux community does not have just one outlook or focus. There are many tribes inside the Linux community, and some of those tribes do seem to value low-cost hardware and traditional desktop paradigms. Inside the Linux community, they often get referred to as "Linux Luddites".
But you also have the groups that enjoy the latest and greatest tech. You see that with the effort to port Linux to the Apple M1, or the new HP Dev One laptop just launched last week.
I think where there is a big problem with the Linux community is their attitude towards Bitcoin and the tunnel vision they use to define what is open source they care about, vs open-source software they totally ignore.
You really see this when it comes to Bitcoin. I find it so confusing that a community that pushed back against giants like Microsoft, IBM, Apple, Oracle, and so many others to prove Free Software could do the job of big expensive proprietary software.
The community that created the GPL and said software should be transparent, and open to everyone.
The community that despite all the odds has pushed Linux into becoming a gaming platform now shipping on Valve's Steam Deck.
Most of that community, as a whole, seems to hate Bitcoin.
Not all of us, I've been a Linux user since the late 90s, and a Bitcoiner since 2011.
But I recently enabled Lightning Boosts for my Podcasts and got considerable pushback from my Linux audience. Some just bailed from my podcasts altogether.
Many were furious with me for "shilling crypto" by even talking about Bitcoin.
What I realized a few months ago is most of them live comfortable lives, with well-paying IT wages. The existing system (as far as they understand) has served them well. They worked hard and got paid well. Why would they even look for an alternative? Especially with all their co-workers, their family, and friends are all doing the same thing.
But that does not stop them from thinking they are an expert on anything tech.
Although I am kinda getting the sense the next 10 years or so of the macro-economic situation are going to change their minds.
It wasn't the Linux community, or the open-source community, who created the GPL. Rather, it was the free software community.
reply