Why can open source projects like the Linux Kernel function through remote work but the rest of us can't?
It's mainly built with people employed in bigger companies, where they have fruitful exchanges with their company peers. The contributions they push in the kernel is part of a larger effort in their respective companies. And the mailing list is the way they communicate around the kernel. They still have physical colleagues in their day jobs.
I've been playing games / hacking with people that I've never ever seen for over 14 years
and trust me, you can definitely be creative in such a environment
Or maybe it just doesn't work for adults?