Yeah, the problems the author has with Gnome are only problems as part of the "regular people wanting to use Linux/Gnome" argument. Basically, a form of NIH syndrome.
Why stop at the browser or IM client though? Technically, Gnome itself only exists because of that same mindset (not being satisfied with KDE's initial license).
Linux people tout the fact that you can install whichever application meets your needs (or write your own, if one doesn't) as a main benefit to using Linux. I'm not even one of those people (I really dislike Gnome, and I have no love for Linux in general), and I don't see this as a bad thing.
I have a hate/hate relationship with the GNU/Linux desktop, but I would never presume that people who are predominantly volunteering their time and efforts to work on Gnome have a responsibility to rely on non-Gnome applications for fundamental desktop functionality.
The only possible rationale I can see for the author's opinion is that if the Gnome developers weren't spending their time having to create an official Gnome application when an existing one would serve just fine, they would be free to spend that time improving other aspects of Gnome.
I don't think that's necessarily a given.
Why stop at the browser or IM client though? Technically, Gnome itself only exists because of that same mindset (not being satisfied with KDE's initial license).
Linux people tout the fact that you can install whichever application meets your needs (or write your own, if one doesn't) as a main benefit to using Linux. I'm not even one of those people (I really dislike Gnome, and I have no love for Linux in general), and I don't see this as a bad thing.
I have a hate/hate relationship with the GNU/Linux desktop, but I would never presume that people who are predominantly volunteering their time and efforts to work on Gnome have a responsibility to rely on non-Gnome applications for fundamental desktop functionality.
The only possible rationale I can see for the author's opinion is that if the Gnome developers weren't spending their time having to create an official Gnome application when an existing one would serve just fine, they would be free to spend that time improving other aspects of Gnome.
I don't think that's necessarily a given.