I guess you had to be around for the reactions to it at the time.

E.g. the reaction to free software in the nineties was communist/anti-capitalist/idealist/unrealistic.

It was an extreme fringe movement.

Now, Linux powers every Android phone, most servers, most routers, and is probably more broadly adopted than all other operating systems, combined.

That it seems normal speaks volumes to his accomplishments.

I don't think you read my comment?

> "I should know, I remember classic Slashdot"

It's still a fringe movement even now, at least the turbo fanatic, FSF disciple kind. It was normal companies like Google adopting Linux that drove adoption, not something Stallman did.