Don't embarass yourself. If you join the "x86 side" you won't be running alongside boys like Microsoft, Apple and the like unless you're HUGE.
Linux ran alongside Microsoft and Apple. Today they are huge. They succeeded because nobody could stop them (1), and their developers didn't stop developing the OS (2). In a capitalistic world, no OS has a chance on the Desktop if they aren't Microsoft or Apple. It's a matter of tradition now, since they've been the only giants since 1994 or so.
An AmigaOS has the same chance as Linux had in getting market share. The only thing you need is to be able to distribute your OS to people (something the commercial Amiga OS developers just plainly doesn't seem to grasp) and secondly, to maintain it separately of popularity - for it's own sake, because you believe it's any good.
I have perhaps 3 users with Lunapaint. Still, I develop on it because I think it's good in itself! That's faith in your OS and that's what's gonna lead you somewhere. The fact that no commercial intrest can shut you down is the other plus which is gonna move you ahead. No funding problems - no deadlines to keep in respect to budgets.
That's why I believe in AROS in the first place:
1. It understands that x86 is the most accessible to people
2. It understands that open source is unstoppable and immune to corporations trying to "stifle competition"
3. It is more friendly to YOU, - no NDAs, no secrecy crap, no mystical personworship for no reason. Take it or leave it, no strings attached.
More people should support it.
