Maybe I'm not following what you are getting at or what your point is
although here goes on countering the thinking that free software is some how
harder to use.
There are many advantages to free software. Many revolve around the freedom
bit or extend from it at least.
Most of the things you have said I feel are just wrong. GNU/Linux comes in
different flavours and some are harder than others. However there are things
that make most distributions easier to use than non-free platforms. Bugs
aside GNu/Linux is easier to use. In most cases the solution to the bugs is
the selection of a less buggy distribution.
I'll give you some reasons why I see GNU/Linux as easier to use for the
masses than the non-free operating systems:
1. Automatic update system for core software- you don't have dozens of pop
ups with dozens of different and confusing screens
2. Security- I don't mean more eyebals equals better security- although that
helps. I mean users actually get the updates for the tools that matter.
Firefox, LibreOffice, Thunderbird/Evolution, Pidgin/Empathy, etc.
3. There is less maintance - when was the last time you had to remove or
reformat due to a virus? Most people have to hire some one or take it to
staples, bestbuy, or some similar tech shop.
4. Consistancy. while gnu/linux is known for a lack of a standard interface
(UI between gnome/kde/etc apps) there is consistency over the years for those
who want it. Every three years there is a new long term support release.
Nothing changes for three whole years.
5. Every thing made for gnu/linux is 'plug-n-play'. If it isn't then the
device wasn't really made for gnu/linux. What I mean by this is that hardware
that is deisgned for gnu/linux is 100% free software compatible. Free
drivers, free firmware, and fully supportable by the community. That means
you get updates through your distribution and don't have to worry about
getting it to work. It just does.
6. It is very easy to install software risk free. There isn't a learning
curve to doing it either. Once a users has been taught that anything 'here'
(the repository) is safe there isn't anything to worry about. The learning
curve I'm referring to is 'figuring out what is safe' not the actual clicking
of a button.
7. When was the last time a program actually required user input or differed
from another program's installation procedure? gnu/linux has excelent
consistency here. You install every program the same way (again, through the
repository).
8. Whoever supports you can actually support you if they know what they are
doing. we would never be able to do this on Microsoft Windows.
