Yeah, we all know how lacking Linux is in databases and operational infrastructure, and how limited it is at running cloud computing. I think you've finally found why Linux isn't catching on.
As a developer, I must say that Linux platforms have been much more stable and reliable, and Qt is much better designed than anything I've seen from Microsoft. If you throw in the vastly superior Linux shell (bash) and the large and wonderful ecosystem of command line utilities and languages, Microsoft is rather unpleasant development environment. However, the large array of good, free applications in Linux may be the biggest downside.
It's hard to operate a business without selling something, and it's hard to sell something when everyone knows others are giving away something similar and almost as good (switching an OS is a little more involved than switching word processors). When your livelihood isn't on the line, there's not as much incentive to cross the line into greatness. For example, all the Linux media players I can find have intermittent problems with menus on an occasional DVD, but if that was revealed in reviews of PowerDVD, they'd have trouble collecting their $50-$125 from new customers to make payroll.
I think there are plenty of developers who are attracted to Linux. It powers much of the internet, including most/all the largest sites (except Microsoft's which lose money hand over fist). Could you imagine Facebook trying to store 250 million photos a day (in 4 resolutions each) and serve millions of photos a second on Windows servers? It also attracts a lot of talent from Hollywood including DreamWorks, Pixar, Disney, ILM, Maya, and Sony to name a few. Lastly, in the Top 500 supercomputer list, Linux is beating Windows 462-2.
I think Microsoft claims Linux violates their patents because they are a patent whore, who is afraid of the competition. The only platform that Linux can't beat them at, desktop/laptop computing, is fading to little more than a web browser for most people. Until Microsoft discloses which patents they are, I'm calling them liars. Just because companies are settling on licensing agreements, doesn't mean there would have been a violation. Sometimes it's just cheaper than court cases. I think in Novell's case (SUSE Linux), Microsoft pays them.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. -- Mahatma Gandhi