And logically, I think the next question is: Was at least one of the above points done with the intent to actually create the current crisis?

<nazi type="xml-grammar">
...<nazi type=grammar> BEEP!!!
</nazi>

Now how many flying LHC's we've been able to observe in our universe, that we can say for sure that our LHC will be safe. Cosmic rays hitting neutron stars may or may not be the same thing - we don't know for sure.
That said, I can't wait for LHC to operate and bring results.

Come to think of it, aren't tabs just a poor (and temporary) fix of the OS/GUI inability to effectively index and switch large number of open program windows?

I can't use ATI's OSS drivers for my HD 3850, if you mean the radeon or radeonhd drivers. RadeonHD is getting there though. NVidia world I don't know much, but I've seen a lot of forum posts where people complained.

I suppose you use:

1. adblock or similar
2. >= 8 GB RAM
3. leak-free browser
4. browser with very good tab switching navigation/overview
5. computer constantly powered on

enlighten me - be specific.

Proper graphics drivers from ATI and NVidia (with a proper compositing X server, that is).

Currently I can choose between perfect 2D + no 3D vs. perfect 3D + sluggish 2D vs. compiz + blinking video + bad 3D. Somehow not a reason to switch from Linux though.

And since I'm in the requesting mode, a Flash and Skype for iPhone would be nice, thanks!

Real speech recognition and communication will require a lot of power. As well as real 3D games and other relaxation/leisure environments. Current games are just Wolfenstein with more details. Human brain is at never ending quest for being entertained - you show it something new, and it won't want the old one anymore. We are underutilizing our hardware now but that's because it is not fast enough to run next gen applications, or because we haven't yet discovered how to make such applications. But it will come.

Bones.