The person who returned to them the source code disk has done everyone dirty. I’m optimistic Microsoft will eventually open source stuff but goddammit.
The largest filter, the Great Filter, these companies cannot overcome is a true digital native workforce and communication mechanism. When your days are haraunged by voice/video meetings because people don’t know how to work asynchronously, productivity plummets when timezone differences are introduced. An absolute shitshow to behold.
Very few, relatively speaking, tech teams understand how to leverage asynchronous work patterns. I think open source projects which are dominated by 40 year old virgin neckbeards (those still exist right?) show the silver lining, but alas, nobody will get it.
If there’s one argument counter to what you’re saying, it’s that the front pages of most social media sites are filled with clickbaits and shitposts. Including HN of course.