If the "Free" license that it was distributed under which allowed numerous people around the world to contribute, check, use, debug and send in suggestions was not even in a little way responsible, then what was? At the end this "Free" license is reason we are even debating this point on this list right now.
I couldn't agree more. I am well aware of the benefits of Free software and my previous comment does not contradict any of the points that you raise here. People use open source for different reasons and breaking the dependence on, as some would call it, "spoon-fed user assistance" is only one of them. What I am critical of is presuming to know what the purpose of the user is and tailoring hostile responses to queries based on that presumption.
even by choosing it b/c of technical superiority you are automatically (perhaps unknowingly) choosing to work with it b/c of the "Freedom" it provides.
Again, I am not disputing the claim that a Free license led to a technically superior product.
-Anshu