[cookiecaper]

Indeed, this is the crux of Linux compatibility problems: people will break their firmware to ensure it runs smoothly on Windows (e.g., sending ASPM information in an unconventional, broken way) while Linux is left holding the bag. All Linux can do is assume that something works according to spec until proven otherwise, and then in cases like this, it's hard to "undo" it because some things will function correctly and other things won't.

In other words, vendors only test on Windows and only care about Windows compatibility. Compatibility with other systems is almost always accidental. This puts MS at an advantage and everyone else at a keen disadvantage.