I have only interacted(If you can even call it that) with Linus online and I too have found him to be abrasive.

It was a completely non-technical discussion and Linus had a moment. I found it to be very off-putting.

He doesn't project the image of a Visionary, the way Jobs did. He doesn't project the image of an inspired Nerd, the way Gates did. He projects the image of a really smart and driven but annoying guy with whom you wouldn't choose to hang out recreationally.