This sounds great indeed! Who do we have to thank for this "open mode" kernel?

Also, am I right in assuming that once Aegis is neutralized the N9 would be able to build on its older brother's (N900) achievements and allow easyDebian and other distros to run chrooted - probably even Fremantle apps? Would chrooted environments have full access to the hardware (e.g. 3D acceleration etc.) as well?

This is one of the main reasons I haven't gotten an N9 yet, I'd have no problem with paying a premium for a fully fledged Linux device, but those reports about aegis sounded too much like impenetrable walled garden.

(I must admit I have been eyeing that Android device that would allow a chrooted Linux environment on a 1280x720 screen; though GUI apps only via localhost VNC due to lack of proper X server.)

Agreed. There needs to be a summary for the layman...
As-to-whether we're in a greatly improved position compared to three+ month back.
And if we are, when (roughly) we can expect tangible advantages* stemming from that.
Preferably from one of the folk intimately involved w/all the AEGIS open-mode work.

*and downsides.

And we need this cleared-up with 100% certainty already!
Yes we can infer based on what was the case for the N900.
But we really need verification from a N9....

So whats next ?

This thread's dead/outdated, read this one from the beginning:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=81579
Not too many pages there yet anyway....