Android, SteamOS, WebOS and all the numerous Linux-based projects, mostly show that the world needs a stable target platform everybody can do a meaningful contribution to (and then make sure nobody steals the work later).

Linux literally ate the world with its POSIX-compatible open-source proposition. I don't have a single device without Linux at home, and this includes a NAS, 5 notebooks, 1 PC, a handheld gaming console, my TV, a bunch of mobile phones, a washing machine.

The world just couldn't care less if it is a microkernel, a hybrid or a monolithic kernel. Like you said, it's not about some boring technical advantages, and it never was.

I would say the masses won in this case, instead of academics and CEOs in high towers… now they have to share some power with the rabble.