I use non-specific terms like "they" as often as I can, largely because I don't want my audience to be tripped up with superficial distractions. I don't read into other people's wordings with contempt unless I know for certain they're being malicious. I think the saying goes something like... Don't attribute malice where ignorance would suffice...
Some people refer to hypothetical people in stories as the same sex as the person describing the story. I'm not positive, but I imagine the parent is also a "he". I don't consider this important at all, and I think you're being pedantic.
I agree with you in general, but I think you're missing a subset of users who can keep up with smaller incremental changes but specifically don't, which over time can eventually make them feel lost.
This describes my relationship with Facebook. I've always generally understood how Facebook works and used to be a power-user. Over time as the new little features didn't apply to me, I found that my own interest had been crowded out and the environment felt entirely different, which further pushed me away. At this point I have very little confidence in my ability and understanding of Facebook.
> I so wish the Linux community would get its act together and implement a....
The Linux communities are full of volunteers. It seems like their act is actually quite together! There is no 'buyer' to make demands with their dollar. Only there is a developer who one day decides they want a feature.
I've come to terms with the idea that different environments offer different things.
With Mac and OSX, you get a beautiful and thoughtful presentation, terminal access, and great with media. You can code, you can look sexy, you can edit your media projects with serious ease.
With Windows, you have brute power, great compatibility, and it's a better option for the market (i.e. cheap and expensive options). Windows is still King of mass market and gaming . (Withholding mobile)
With Linux, you have the option to have many kinds of environments at the lowest cost, with the understanding that you might have to work to get where you actually want to be. But when you get there, the satisfaction is 100x anything you'll get from the other platforms. (Withholding bsd, plan9, etc.)
I've been using Linux for about 7 years, mostly because I realized much of my CS homework can be done on Linux, and it was cool at the time. Also, Macs were/are way out of my budget, and Windows machines are a dime a dozen, just pick your price point. Then I realized the real magic of Linux: it's a free product of the world, for the world. Long after the business behind Windows and Mac leave the planet, Linux will stand as the people's platform. And I figured I should start learning it.