I think it's self selecting.

Most people are quite happy with modern tablets with capacitive screens and keyboards that adapt to the context.

Those that aren't have found a place to gather.

I've had Psions, Palms, Sony Ericsson P-series, Nokia S60 touch, N900 all with resistive screens. Would I go back to having to pull a toothpick out to operate a screen or fiddly HW keyboards that are too small to type quickly on? Like fudge no.

That still doesn't mean I don't want a decent handheld Linux machine. I've got my perfect hardware already - Sony Z compact phone and tablets. I just wish someone would do a decent OS and understood that they'll succeed if they unblock the logjams that stop community developers from progressing.