It works for Linus because of special circumstances that are not easily replicated.

First, Linus is the creator of the project. He is also competent AF (borrowed your jargon here).

Second, people understand Linus is doing this solely out of care for the project. If you look at history of his outbursts you will notice a pattern.

Third, Linus tends to be right.

Fourth, Linus has and had since almost very beginning celebrity status and people tend to approve of eccentric behavior of celebrities more.