The way you describe FreeBSD is how I imagine an OS should be. I'm going to make it a goal this year to get a server up and running. Thanks.
-- Rant
Linux gives me more inferiority complex than any other technology I've ever touched.
Sure, something like a database system, or a moderately large code base or framework is complicated, and intimidating, and it might take many years to get a grip on, and understand, let alone master. But Linux? I just don't get it. I've tried for years, read books about it, etc. etc.
But in the end it's voodoo to me, and I'm always left searching for answers to problems, unable to solve them myself. The answers are always just rote step-by-step; do this and copy this command, problem solved. Why? how? nothing makes sense!!!
I always have the sense that somewhere out there is the holy bible of Linux, the missing piece of the puzzle; read this and it will all make sense.
Admittedly I've never compiled a distro. So in some respect I'm guilty of not going into the deep end. I suspect that if I learnt systems programming, and really go into the thick of it... then somewhere I might start to find my feet.
But it's easier to just believe that I'm stupid, and Linux is beyond my ability to comprehend.