[einpoklum]

But what does that have to do with him needing to step down? Was he mis-handling the GNU project? Did he abuse people? Did he force anyone to accept his social views (communist/libertarian/whatever) outside the extent to which those are manifested in the GNU project per se?

I am saddened by this occurrence, and am worried about the ability to pressure people like Stallman like this.

[tptacek]

Keep in mind that it's pretty likely this is just vandalism. That said: if a critical mass of the people you need to work with at your project refuse to do so, it doesn't so much matter how you're "handling" the project; you won't be able to lead it effectively. If Stallman hasn't stepped down from GNU now, he may yet do so in the near future, as it dawns on him that his resignation is in the best interests of the project itself.

[philipov]

"if a critical mass of the people you need to work with at your project refuse to do so, it doesn't so much matter how you're "handling" the project"

If a critical mass of people refuse to work with you, that is itself a mishandling of the project. Getting people to work with you is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader.

[einpoklum]

Maybe they refuse to work with you because - for example - it's a religiously-conservative society and you have been outed as a homosexual?

Also - you're right that this is an important characteristic, but if there is active outside pressure to get people to _not_ work with you, that should not be ignored when evaluating someone's ability to lead.