[binarycrusader]

The key missing context is:

Solaris implemented the core part of the /usr merge 15 years ago already, and completed it with the introduction of Solaris 11

But more generally, Sun had a lot of smart people that cared deeply both about the *NIX Desktop and the general user experience. A trip through the PSARC archives[1] will show that things like the /usr merge were carefully considered and reasoned about. Some of those people are still working on Solaris today, although sadly, I'm no longer one of them.

The Linux and BSD folks should take advantage of the good things that Sun left behind and carry them forward wherever possible.

DISCLAIMER: I'm a former Solaris Principal Software Engineer so slightly biased ;)

[1] https://illumos.org/opensolaris/ARChive/PSARC/

[unethical_ban]

Ah, it's awesome you worked there. Thank you for context.

My "bad timing" comment was in reference to Sun getting sold in 2010. As an IT focused college kid, I realized there wasn't much value in learning Solaris system administration. That doesn't mean it didn't have amazing things as an operating system!

[smcnally]

Thank you for your service. Solaris felt more considered and reasoned than AIX and microchannel Linux I was learning in ~95 and so helped me learn more.