I agree to a certain extent - changing the way you are used to doing things, especially if they work for you already seems frivoulous. I'd change if it were an improvement over the process and I guess the question then is, is the Linux way of things actually better and easier than the current Windows way?
Depends what you mean by 'better', everyone is going to have a different opinion of what is better for them, it's personal preference. In the same way, I assume 'easier' means being able to install and start straight away without any need for configuration, which is great for most but not everyone requires that.
Although on that topic i'd personally say consoles offer much more of a pick up and go style experience than Windows if you're doing nothing but gaming.
So from a gaming perspective you can't see Linux taking hold nor being overly attractive to the big games houses (let along the small ones) because it's too much effort for too little reward? Doesn't this then translate to the OS as a whole? If there is no real financial opportunity for software houses then surely it doesn't bode well for the home user Linux distros?
At the end of the day they're out to make money, they will target whichever has the largest market, and I can't see Windows losing the market share, especally since Windows 7 seems to be pleasant enough for most people.
It would be nice to be able to game across any platform but I don't think Linux needs it, it does what it does well for power users wanting a secure, stable and highly customizable platform, and a free alternative for people who only need a computer for browsing, email and office work.
Many contributors to it are already putting in effort for little reward as you say (financially anyway), but some people enjoy it, gain experience from it and believe in the freedom of software.
They're aimed at two different audiences. Things such as Vi do have a much higher learning curve than other text editors, but it's meant to, it has the pay off of greater control and productivity once you have become accustomed to it.
Mac OS X would be a better choice for people wanting a simple GUI driven pick up and go OS if it had full native game support and it has a much better market share of users. Although like I said I still think for people wanting a no hassle gaming platform, consoles are the best answer.