It's an indirect advancement. It's beneficial by expanding the circle of people engaged in the issue.

To some extent, it doesn't really matter what Linus proclaimed but he's helped here by tipping others over the edge of contributing to the discussion.

By that i mean, how many people who have great respect for Linus, previously sat quiet on the issue, absorbing the information, but now feel engaged enough to voice an opinion? I'd wager quite a few.

Good on him for not sitting quiet. A big public spotlight's exactly what's needed on this issue. Linus just helped cast the beam a little wider.