I love this article for its critical perspective. We need more of that if we want to move past the rather unimpressive status quo.

But, the reason for the described situation is no mystery, and may not have that much to do with the bazaar. Programmers like to reinvent stuff, as well as use what they’re familiar with. Those two facts alone explain a lot of the criticisms.

I suppose, in a properly managed cathedral, these tendencies might be somewhat mitigated. But how many cathedrals are properly managed, or have the luxury to “do things right”?

The whole “worse is better” debate is relevant here. Worse may not be better because it’s actually better, but because it’s more easily achievable, particularly by people without infinite time, expertise, and money.