I think you are misreading me. You can be a serious hacker that uses OSX.

Allow me to add some contrast.

I have seen lots of fantastic things developed on OSX exclusively. They still typically deploy on Linux servers, but I digress. What you /can't/ do on OSX is seriously care about many of the items I listed. That _should_ read if you are "A" a serious hacker and "B" you also care about things like these, then Linux is the only sane choice. For someone that only deals in working in the confines of existing frameworks, scripting languages, etc, then sure OSX+xcode will let you get done what you need. If however your project needs require you to have control lower than the OSX binary systems can presently offer, you hit a closed source brick wall. If something breaks, your at the mercy of a third party to fix it.

It has some of the same problems in that respect as Windows.

When I get a piece of hardware that does not work, I can go to the kernel source, and patch it myself, and contribute it to the Linux kernel. In fact, I have. If something does not work how you expect on OSX however, file a bug report and hope for the best. Even if you have the skills to fix the problem, your hands are tied.