That top level and this one (which is in response to someone who answered your question) are both rather combative. If I wanted to create dialogue, I wouldn't attack answers as rude.

"I'm not interested in that kind of work" is a fair answer, but it seems pretty rude to dismiss it as an ugly hacky legacy code base without reviewing it first.

Like I said, I wanted to disengage but I see this kind of attitude repeat itself over and over within open source communities and can't escape the feeling that it only pushes people away from contributing.

Before this conversation, I planned to do some work on Wesnoth, but it reminded me of all the politics involved in contributing. I don't want to be called out when my ideas don't align with those of 'the elite' so why would I possibly get involved in a project?

What is up with so much of the software community getting involved in meta discussion about how everything doesn't suit their perfect little bubble lately? So what, some people are going to be abrasive. Being an adult means doing what you want in the face of that.

Incidentally, I have a history of starting activist organizations and have a nearly two decade long record of attracting volunteers.

Based on my experience, the following things do not work:

A) Accessing someone's personal details with the intention of asking them why they will contribute to one cause but not another.

B) Asking an open-ended question then attacking answers that do not align with yours.

If you are burned out or just need to vent, email me and we can talk about this. I've been burned out from managing/recruiting volunteers and I likely understand the feeling as well as anyone. Use me if I can be of any assistance.