> Backporting upstream patches by request, enhancing upstream, help debugging difficult, multi-level issues and so on. I also took it for granted but seeing what I see today, I understand.

I guess to me if you don't have the expertise in-house as a tech company, I think you have issues because you are outsourcing core competencies [the ability compile & maintain linux related software, the ability to debug complex issues that are likely part of generating your competitive advantage in someway].