Just to update, Ubuntu has now been ported to the Nexus One. Still experimental, but the biggest hurdle has been passed.

So the OP does have some credability regarding N900's short-comings and that the competitors now have "better" software.

Note, loosely meaning better by Ubuntu's advantages and its years of legacy. But still alot of work to do before it can be usable day-day and get the kinks sorted like Wifi/BT/aGPS/3D and more.

edit: My bad. I meant better as in, better than original ie Android. Now they have Ubuntu (as noted the debian). Didn't mean to imply it's better than Maemo5.

So the rooted N1 (and Evo) owners are on the verge of crossing those sweet hardware with an OS that can provide more features (after kinks worked out) but that doesn't mean it will be a pleasure to use (needs adjustments to make it mobile friendly compared to Maemo which already is/meant to be).