So you don’t agree that starting from the ground up won’t work? Why not? Too much effort or takes too much time?

I think you might need to reread my post, I didn’t say it was easy. It’s reality, which generally isn’t easy.

I’m not convinced most somewhat tech savvy people are put off by the install of linux. As you describe it’s dead easy in most cases. I think most of their push back is getting their specific programs or peripherals to run. In their mind, Windows “just works” when they want to play a new game, use a specific business software that is required by their employer, or plug in a crafting peripheral like a cricut. That said, linux is an awesome alternative for regular folks that mostly use web based stuff in their daily lives.

Want to build a viable third party for presidential elections? Start small at the city/county level and eventually you will have candidates at the state/federal level. Today’s city council is tomorrow’s senator/president. Does it really surprise anyone that a relatively unknown and unproven candidate outside of the two major parties doesn’t get any traction in a federal election?