I like the Enlightenment manager - it's got pizzazz. But it's more than just that. I had the opportunity to tinker a little with operating systems. It's one of the most intriguing aspects of computer science - providing a platform where other code can run. In some small way, when people do architectural designs that allow for reuse, they're providing the same kind of functionality.
Nothing compares to programming the bare metal.
Still, the joy of programming doesn't really matter when it comes to the business world. Business is about products, solutions, and services. It's about adding value. That's one reason Linux is important - it adds value. One of the challenges of the industry is getting the most performance and value out of hardware investments.