I agree about the point regarding tile based window managers. Few others come close to maximizing productivity of windowed apps; but OSX's various other productivity enhancing features make it not worthwhile to switch back.

Of course tools (hardware and software) can only take you so far. I find that most productivity comes from being surrounded by sharp hard-working people trying to push the envelope. Working with hard-working people creates a cyclic motivational cycle, all pushing each other to be more productive.