I don't think there's anything wrong with complaining about Linux, but how you complain determines whether it falls on deaf ears. While I would much prefer people use Linux, it doesn't actually harm me if they choose another product, with one exception: When they're contributing to OSS.

"If I can't program, I can't contribute to OSS" is actually not true. Here are some examples:
- While rants are one of the least helpful methods of contributing, it does at least give a voice and explain a problem.
- Free software is usually poorly documented. Writing a howto, language pack, etc. for a piece of software or explaining how to use multiple programs together goes a long way.
- I can program, but I'm not familiar with any of the problems with HWR. Digging around to find out about the algorithms used, any partial libraries that implement those algorithms, or otherwise creating a central repository for information could generate a lot of interest in it.
- Try to find some basic info about GUI design. I'm sure many developers would love it if a user provided a window mockup (or even Glade interface file!) for their app, and wouldn't mind improving the UI if a user willing to invest the time described it.

I won't claim that it's worth the time, but one last thing: Don't assume you can't program. You've already started if you've run a command in a shell. As soon as you're piping output or writing loops, assigning variables, you've already come pretty close. Of course, this information is only useful if you really want to

There are lots of people who don't necessarily write software on this forum that contribute to the Wiki, etc. It doesn't hurt to try to take another step and see what else you can do if you want to take the time.