UX is always a major question with Open Source. Strangely, according to the examples posted, FOSS seems to be the ones working hardest on making UX better, but always seems to fall behind.

What are the secrets of UX that we seem to be missing? There has to be something we can do to make FOSS software "easy" like commercial tools have the reputation for.

Is the ease of use just familiarity with the software that you've used? How can FOSS overcome that challenge then since those users will never move beyond the first tool they get used to?

Access to a real usability lab is one thing FOSS lacks. I've never figured out how to crack that nut. Maybe there's some way academic institutions could help fill the gap.