Linux will never take off in the consumer world so long as they desire to chase Windows. Linux has a real chance if it would stay real simple and work well. Windows got too complex as the kitchen sink got added.
Agreed. The biggest problem I see is not really the complexity of an OS, but the forced inclusion of that complexity into every install. That's why I really like Linux. You can install only what you want. You can choose the version that you want that includes the tools you are looking for.
Keep all those different distros--they're designed for a specific purpose. Keep the GP distros--they're designed for general desktop use.
Windows? You basically get one version. They're starting to split off into Enterprise and personal versions, but they're the ones making the decision as to what goes into "Enterprise" Windows vs. "Home" Windows.
I want to make that decision. It's my computer.