@mhoye @cnx I dont think that is a good example of why Ubuntu got popular, it was more of the stuff contained in it that for a long time Debian was trying to avoid. Now corrected with bookworm with the use of non-free firmware.

and honestly dont think using Ubuntu is a good example, as its popularity also comes from the intense approach to commercial partners and other decisions.

it is never fair to compair a company with lots of funds vs free volunteer work, the scale is unbalanced.