Poker between a group of players is a zero sum game, therefore, the hypothetical "average" player breaks even.

This is not necessarily true. For example, it is not uncommon to have one or two really bad players at the table feeding the rest of the game. While the "sharks" may have the largest edge, the average player may have an edge as well. The inverse is also true. One or two exceptional players could be the only players at the table with an edge.

I wouldn't discount research based on the research date. If the research is accurate there's no reason that time would be a factor, unless better studies were conducted and drew a different conclusion. If you're interested, do some research on the topic and you'll find that many companies from startups to major corporations utilize some form of open work spaces.

Multiple studies, at least within the context of software development, seem to be in conflict:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001206144705.htm

Maintainability costs money. The article would have been much better if it just linked to the KISS principle as a reminder that needless complexity is bad. Instead there's this apparent (unintended?) emphasis on lower quality with the use of the "duct tape" metaphor as well as an out of context reference to Gabriel's "Worse is Better" essay*. The hard problem in software is maintainability, which is usually the result of hack-n-slash code that appears "done" because it "works" (just don't ever change it).

* There is a big difference between not developing the "perfect product" (i.e. every ideal feature) vs. code quality. The latter has a direct correlation to maintainability costs and future development velocity.

Here are some Test Driven Development studies.

Anecdotally, my 13 year career is split almost exactly 50/50 TDD/!TDD. While I kicked and screamed initially, I'm confident that TDD has had the most positive impact on my effectiveness as a software developer.

Unlike homeowner's insurance, where you ARE playing against the house. Or car insurance. Or the state lottery. Or mutual funds. Or health insurance.

We manage risk all the time, and happily pay people for the privilege. I've never understood why poker got such a bad rep.

Ignorance.

Over 100 comments and we still don't have a concise list of substantial features Windows 7 offers over Vista?

Features New to Windows 7.

Enjoy!