How to do Embedded Linux [not] right
What does the vendor get


no innovation
because they try to hide their code (gpl-violations.org)
because their R&D environment is non-standard
weird cross-toolchains that nobody has seen before
weird filesystems with custom patches that nobody knows
because they add proprietary components to lock developers from adding features
e.g. the entire web-based UI for embedded networking gear
binary-only kernel modules that force people to use old kernels with no interesting new features
because it is, overall, way too hard to develop on/for their platform
because they don't disclose serial console and/or JTAG access