Some actual data about the total lack of actual data

"the highest ranked (by google) independent reference on the FLOSSPOLS survey, Hanna Wallach's presentation, which - mirabile visu - doesn't have any either"

A presentation that was originally written for the review session of the final report from the FLOSSPOLS project, so not especially surprising.

"I finally found the original report"

By typing "FLOSSPOLS" into Google and looking at the top result? You were pointed at that several times.

"Among other things: 'flaming is accepted as a key means of developing a reputation'"

It is. Well-crafted total destruction of someone's argument is admired, and if people see you as tear a respected developer's position to shreds they'll remember you much better than the person who politely pointed out that they were wrong. People will laugh and clap you on the back and point each other at the link and you'll feel like part of the club. It's much easier to gain reputation by engaging in unnecessary conflict than it is to do so by reasoned discussion. It certainly helped me.