I don't know how many people here remember the excitement when Android was new and, OMG, it's Linux! Open source! Finally we have a Linux-based, free and open phone platform!
I actually think that this played a non-trivial part in Android getting early traction - similar dynamic to Gmail where tech people got excited about it eventually "my friend who's good with computers recommends this" becomes a factor.
Not the exact same formula as you formulate above, but I think there are parallels to draw.
I was very excited about first reports on Android. I was young, starting to earn my first money, and I wanted to spend that money by getting myself my first, awesome, Linux-powered smartphone by Google - a company I heard only good things about.
Fortunately, I've decided to go with Openmoko instead back then. I'm so glad I did.
Same happened with Telegram: from a crypto messenger for geeks (who were excited by new crypto – I know, I know – and promises of end-to-end encryption everywhere coming some day) to just another messenger with cool stickers and stuff.
Really sad because I personally recommended it too, and was hoping these things would work out somehow. Lesson learned: they don't. The next messenger I will promote with my friends would be one without the server at all.
I actually think that this played a non-trivial part in Android getting early traction - similar dynamic to Gmail where tech people got excited about it eventually "my friend who's good with computers recommends this" becomes a factor.
Not the exact same formula as you formulate above, but I think there are parallels to draw.
Embrace, extend, and extinguish, and all that.