There seems to be different groups of N900 users with different backgrounds.

The differences can be roughly factored based on:

Linux/Maemo knowledge: None, Linux, Maemo+Linux

Software developer: None, non-Linux developer, Linux developer

Time and willingness to take risks: Yes, No

A lot of the arguments in the forums tend to be between people with differences in these areas, or different expectations or assumptions of others.

I, for example, am an experienced Linux developer, but am new to Maemo. I want to know the technical details, and don't understand all the fuss about bricking and optification. Just warn people that space in / is critical, say what the recommended minimum free space is, and then move on. I can manage on my own with symlinks and configure --prefix