@Ted -- I think it's a different story. Even the biggest/most commercialized open source communities do not produce a strong public sphere where critics, analysts and reporters cull out the value information from the noise, disinformation and spin for the same reason journalism has largely collapsed in our larger society. It is simply not an activity that can be supported financially without being captured by a big commercial interest.

To draw from a similar example, consider a small or mid-sized American city where the best political talent lies untapped in lawyers who would rather stay in private legal firms or get a judge's seat where they are guaranteed six figures and a much easier life than if they ran for office. As a result you end up with a public sector led by under-competent politicians who know how to stoke up a crowd and win a popularity contest -- but not much more. There is just not enough incentive among the real talent pool to serve the larger public because it results in a lot of work, taking a lot of crap, and making a lot less money. I think the few idealists who try to break this mold usually end up realizing it's not worth it.