I don't get this focus on the technology that's driving the features, over the features themselves.

Maybe I'm just not the typical Linux user anymore, but as a user, when I think about what I want feature-wise from software, I think in terms of concrete features: I want X, Y, and Z new functionality. If the developer can "use AI" to power it, fine. If they use traditional algorithms to power it, also fine. If they use literal sorcery to power it, great, I don't care.

At no point in my life have I ever said "I want technology ABC to power features, but I don't really have in mind what those features might be."

I actually think it's the opposite. The impression I get from the 'average Linux user' is that they want more control over and insight to what their system/programs are doing, whereas AI tends to provide less. I appreciate open-source code because you can see how it works, instead of black-box 'sorcery'

I understand the benefits of abstracting some of these features away for casual users...but even Ubuntu, arguably one of the most 'casual' flavors of Linux, is still geared more towards a 'power user' than your average Joe