This works for Clojure, git and even Linux. It seems there's a human who understands the entire system and decides what's allowed to be added to it. But these things are meant to be used by technical people.

The non-technical people I know might want to use Linux but stay on Windows or choose Mac OS because it's more straightforward. I use Windows+WSL at work even though I would like to use a native Linux distribution.

I know someone who created a MUD game (text online game) and said to him I wanted to make one with a browser client. He said something we could translate as "Good, you can have all the newbies." Not only was he right that a MUD should be played with a MUD client like tintin++, but making a good browser client is harder than it seems and that's time not spent making content for the game or improving the engine.

My point is that he was un uncomprimising person who refused adding layers to a project because they would come at a cost which isn't only time or dollars but also things like motivation and focus.

You’re conflating “knows the system” with benevolent dictator. It’s not the same. It’s down to whether in a planning or brainstorming session, there is anyone who can say that a plan won’t work or if there’s a better one.

Also it doesn’t have to be singular. You need at least one, in case that person leaves or becomes problematic. That dictator doesn’t always remain benevolent and they can hold a project hostage if they don’t like something that everyone else wants.

> ... even Linux. It seems there's a human who understands the entire system and decides what's allowed to be added to it.

I really wonder what will happen to Linux once Linus is no longer involved.