Why GNU Hurd Never Got off the Ground

• Idealistic. Did not join the worse is better philosophy, ie, it's not the best but works great approach of Linux. [1]
• OSE learnings - There are many open source projects like this - some neat features, somewhat incomplete, worked on by a small but devoted team. HURD is just a very high-profile example. This is a relevant point. A point of traction must be reached at one point to escape lack of world-changing results.