When you talk about the dev-linuxes, dev-kernels, etc. that would be comparable to drupal core.

Each contributed module is it's own project (like the linux kernel) but on a much smaller scale. Some of these projects are well maintained and the issues noted aren't a problem. Some of them, just like projects all over, could use some love and attention.

If you willing I imagine a lot of maintainers would welcome the help in creating better projects. I know I would.