> "That repackaging allows a more integrated approach to the boot process that also eliminates some code and feature duplication that occurred across the formerly separate components. By eliminating duplication, and providing a more integrated approach to the boot components, the resulting system is easier for system administrators to manage."
> Are you implying that this claim is a lie?
A lie, probably not.
A attempt to disguise an enjoyable and beautiful engineering exercise as something performed to solve important problems users loudly complained about; maybe yes.
Don't get me wrong: many good engineers tend to be guilty of this. As recently posted here: http://www.jwz.org/doc/cadt.html
And it's not just open source but also one of standard ways to BS your boss.