So being rude is what you do if it's "important" and the other party didn't have an optimal solution?
Looking at the long history of openbsd and some similar projects, I think being rude like that is what you do when you're too far on to the spectrum to effectively articulate an argument. It probably has something to do with lack of empathy as well... There are very real reasons why their project and user base is the size it is.
> So being rude is what you do if it's "important" and the other party didn't have an optimal solution?
No, being direct is what you do if it's important. I agree that the above quotes aren't polite, but I don't think they're terribly rude. If I publish half-assed code that is hopelessly structured (even if there are reasons for it; "There's too much old cruft", "I don't have time to ...") -- I wouldn't mind getting called on my bullshit. If you suck, and someone point out to you, that you do, in fact suck -- then you should thank that someone.
Sure, it might be nicer if they're polite about it -- but it's really not that big of a deal.
Looking at the long history of openbsd and some similar projects, I think being rude like that is what you do when you're too far on to the spectrum to effectively articulate an argument. It probably has something to do with lack of empathy as well... There are very real reasons why their project and user base is the size it is.