I didn't directly mention third party software but when I talk about the various levels of default software the implication is that those with less built in typically rely more heavily on third party software. Even those who do ship a more batteries included base still have to provide mechanisms for using third party software given the ecosystem.

> ... has a lot of third party software that would be hard to maintain along with the rest of the system

This is the point that the article is trying to challenge. I think 9front proves that it's doable.

> Most people don't care what commit your system is built from as long as it works as their programs expect it to.

The former helps the later a lot. Everything is tested with each other and for a lot of functionality there is only one option.