Linux user since 1999, redhat 6.2 days I think, kernel 2.2. Messed with getting audio to work on an old ISA card, setting some ports in some config files, recompiling the kernel. I got it working, no big deal, even from several sources at the same time, with no artsD or esd, but I did try those to just for fun.
Invested same amount of time and effort, still have only horrible memories of pulseaudio. I shiver anytime I see puslea. Argh.arhgh.why,.asdhj as.