[npsimons]

I think the following quote from the article is more compelling:

While one would like to expect a minimum level of correctness and trustworthiness from a modern compiler, we can't, regardless of the compiler we use.

Notice he doesn't say "open source compiler" - he means all compilers will have issues. Much as it sounds like it would be nice to just pay someone for good tools and not have to worry about it, that's not the case (and never has been). The reason I look for open source solutions first is precisely because I know nothing is perfect, but at least when I have the source I know I might have a chance of fixing it, or if need be, pay someone more expert to. Just paying someone upfront for something I can't tinker on in no way guarantees an incentive to make it stable. I know this from experience. OTOH, I'm more than willing to pay (and have) for open source software. I often wonder if something like kickstarter (without as much fanfare or pressure) might be a good way to fund LTS releases of open source software.