[eropple]

Most users tend to assume that things that work will continue working. This is not an unreasonable assumption. It is the status quo on Windows and, whether you or I like it or not (I don't really mind, but whatever), that's the measuring stick for Linux-on-the-desktop. That Linux does not have the same track record with regards to backwards compatibility is not a failing in the user. You don't have to fix their problem, but don't wax on about their "temerity". That makes you a dick.

As is common in pretty much every endeavor, people trump process. OSS still exists and for a decent bit of legacy software isn't going away anytime soon. Breaking it screws over users. Screwing over users makes them complain. Putting on a song and dance about how "appalled" you are at users' complaints makes you a jerk. Don't be a jerk.