I understand what you are saying as well as what Linus says - but I think in this context, when people say “linux”, they are usually referring to the linux kernel with GNU userspace programs and toolkits (aka most desktop linux distributions). Those of us, like myself, that don’t think calling my desktop OS GNU/Linux is controversial (it’s just what it is) are making a choice - I am choosing freedom over convenience (although, more and more, gnu/linux os’s are becoming easier and more polished). I am choosing to go the extra mile to get a certain driver working properly or use an alternative program that may not be as user friendly as the commercial version (I’m looking at you, GIMP) because I am making a choice to own and use my programs, rather than they use me.
I understand what you are saying as well as what Linus says - but I think in this context, when people say “linux”, they are usually referring to the linux kernel with GNU userspace programs and toolkits (aka most desktop linux distributions). Those of us, like myself, that don’t think calling my desktop OS GNU/Linux is controversial (it’s just what it is) are making a choice - I am choosing freedom over convenience (although, more and more, gnu/linux os’s are becoming easier and more polished). I am choosing to go the extra mile to get a certain driver working properly or use an alternative program that may not be as user friendly as the commercial version (I’m looking at you, GIMP) because I am making a choice to own and use my programs, rather than they use me.