What is great about Linux and FOSS is that Open Source allows users to independently review the code.
Now, while the Gnome Foundation Developers have voiced a desire to pull out of the gnu general free license (since it conflicts with their uh... core mission and values...), they have not done so yet.
This is partly to do with the Stakeholders for Gnome being deadset against such a move.
This means that we can, currently, still independently review the Free Open Source Code.
Some interesting things can come to light when a user should compare the code for Gnome Software pre Gnome 40 and post Gnome 40.
You see, unable to pull out of the Gnu License agreement, Gnome Foundation developed Libadwaita
. This... also... upset the stakeholders for Gnome.
But it did not upset enough of them for Gnome to stop.
Previously, in some years past, Gnome Foundation signed a pledge to stop breaking independent appearance using Adwaita fixes when the stakeholders for Gnome stepped in to stop their antics.
This took effect with the release of GTK 3.20
But they started work on LibAdwaita - a means of locking users and developers alike in, which can create a proprietary situation where Distros (Like Zorin OS) and developers must seek permission from Gnome in order to alter ui appearance.
Solus and Canonical protested heavily, but are only two of the stakeholders. Solus promised to create a desktop environment alternative to Gnome fully.
Gnome continues to force LibAdwaita however and the damage is continuing to be done.
Which, as this affects me, is where my interest comes in.
And in comparing the code pre and post Gnome 40 - something becomes rather disturbingly clear. Fixes pre that could have been implemented simply weren't. They were closed with a "Wontfix" tag.
But they were included post Gnome 40 ... Which includes LibAdwaita.
It is important to note that LibAdwaita has zero effect on the bugs in Gnome- Software.
But Gnome Software is one of Gnomes Primary Core Applications.
What this does do, however, is encourage Linux users to "upgrade" to the version that is governed by LibAdwaita.
Sound a whole lot like Microsoft?
The most fascinating part is that many bugs were not fixed by repairing code or adding code but by removing code.
I realize, of course, that it is impolitic for me to go into such graphic detail publicly on the forum. Zorin OS offers Gnome D.E. in its Core version. And probably will offer Gnome 4-+ in Zorin OS 17.
Even so - I have my principles. My ethics.
What Gnome has been doing these past ten years and is doing now... Is amoral, unethical and Just Plain Wrong.
It is unhealthy for FOSS, damaging to what makes Linux great, removes the diversity and user control and choice and empowerment that Linux offers... In order to appease Gnome Foundations desire to place their Brand Image First, to set themselves as the Dominant desktop environment... the only desktop Environment on Linux.
Just
Like
Microsoft.
And... I choose to not be silent.
Yes, I do have some idea why Gnome is so buggy. I have some idea why it keeps getting promoted as Polished, Elegant and Refined, in spite of the massive bug reports, Breakable Gnome Extensions required to restore functionality (Which Gnome Devs have repeatedly voiced a desire to remove the ability for Independent Developers to add Extensions), broken theming and unpolished UI design that cuts widgets into each other, overlaps with each other or expands to fill gaps that should not be there. I know very well how Adwaita hides these flaws by forcing flat overlays, why libadwaita removes toolbars entirely, scrollbar - steppers and menubars since theming them brings these unpolished flaws into the glaring light for anyone to see.
Everytime I read another article promoting Gnome 40, I think of Padme Amidala saying, "So this is how Liberty dies. To thunderous applause."