I agree with you, and though I haven't evaluated your first statement, the fact that I have to think about whether or not you are right at all is good enough.
We don't have to like Linus' communication... methods. I often don't. But no one is perfect, and I'm willing to cut Torvalds some slack for being a dick for past - and future - accomplishments. People think that greatness doesn't excuse demeanor... but it does when the greatness is that far along the SD curve.
That's an unhelpful model. It implies that hitting the gym or studying or putting on make-up will make harm you in equal measures as it helps you.
No, it doesn't, not for anyone who played D&D which is where it is derived from.
Also, your statement is at least partially true, given that you have finite time and resources to pursue skill development in any given area.
If I were Lord God of the cosmos, I'd give Linus Torvalds my magic and go farm Yabbies and sleep like a retired God at night, knowing that the world will be even better in the morning.
Sorry, but being "nice" is totally inappropriate and unhelpful.