*nod*, I suppose our circles and feeds are different indeed, and the phrase you encounter more often, or the one that annoys you more, is different from mine ;-)

still, the point was that I'd have related more strongly with what you wrote had your experience been more like mine.  that was what I meant to express.  the negative feelings that "free software alternative to X" bring about in me are largely similar to those you described.

and yeah, when it comes to the software proper, the terms are very nearly synonymous, differing only in nearly-irrelevant corner cases.  they do often convey alignment or ignorance, since when it comes to philosophies, they express very different positions.  as a quote, it carries meanings intended by those you're quoting, but that doesn't make me like it ;-)

enjoyable holidays and a happier gnu year!