“Instead let us hope the makers of Windows-only software will recognize the benefits of making their software compatible with a better operating system (Linux) whose user base, while smaller, is growing. People are abandoning Windows. It’s nowhere near in danger of disappearing, but it’s clear Microsoft has lost their way.”
You know that is up to us right? We have to contact the software companies in mass over and over asking about Linux versions. Fill their mailbox so that they cannot just ignore it. Do not take no for an answer.
Not just their mailboxes. Badger the sales people of Windows-only companies. "I would buy your product it if was available for Linux." Hit them in the pocketbook and the sales figures.