Please stop all this mail about the techincal merits of Linux, Hurd or any other kernel or OS, they are totally off-topic.
The discussion about Linux and BitKeeper, has been fully exploited now IMO.
I think nobody that cares about the freedom of software (and it's developers) likes Linus' decision, but he decided so, and screaming will not make him change that decision.
When Stallman and others understanded that Free Software was the way to go, they do not screamed at other users, instead they started a project to produce free software and it was the right move, now we can enjoy the fruits of that hard work and run on a free OS!
So, now, if any really care about pushing Free Software, let start analysing what alternatives there are to BitKeeper seriously, what needs Linus and other that adopted BitKeeper have, and put forces on improving an existing tool or plan a project to build up a new one.
That's the way to go! That will benefit not only Linux hackers but probably also other developers!