Please understand that I don't think the FSF ever set out with the intent of being "elitist", and I appreciate what they are trying to do. Although I often do not agree with the methods, I am happy they exist.
I like your example of the moat. I think though that nobility is not very much defined in your metaphor. After some thought I think there is a strong sense of community maybe, where those who've worked there the longest are those who become the "nobility". And people do not want a "foreigner" to come and change their ways, even though he may back his ideas with facts and good arguments.
In a way, a method that made sense once, is used for such a long time that at some point it becomes more of an "ideology", like a nationalistic feeling.
I like your example of the moat. I think though that nobility is not very much defined in your metaphor. After some thought I think there is a strong sense of community maybe, where those who've worked there the longest are those who become the "nobility". And people do not want a "foreigner" to come and change their ways, even though he may back his ideas with facts and good arguments.
In a way, a method that made sense once, is used for such a long time that at some point it becomes more of an "ideology", like a nationalistic feeling.