This is a debate that has raged for decades, but I feel like diving in one more time.

There is a difference between "technically possible" and "objectively better." People on Linux are quick to point out that they have GIMP, so why do you need Photoshop? They are technically right, and I don't doubt many Linux designers make great stuff. But when the cultural norm is Photoshop, there's a tax.

A Google search for "how do I work in 3d space in Photoshop" will lead you to a lot of content. Videos, articles, comments in forums. The same search for GIMP shows two things: it turns out GIMP can't do all that stuff. And even if it could, there are far fewer people talking about it. A store with 3 options is different than a store with 300 items. Sure, they both have at least 1. But selection matters.

So can a Windows computer do design tasks, and perform well? Of course! But there is an objective truth that iOS/Mac is getting more attention from the design community. More protyoping tools, more plugins, more discussion, more everything. So while there's no problem on paper ("I can do all the design I need"), there is a different end result ("but there aren't as many options, especially for stuff outside Adobe's products.")

But there's a greater issue here that some people call "the emotional immune system." If I come up to you on the street and say "you suck" your brain will automatically try to discredit me to protect itself: "Why should I care what you have to say? Your shoes are ugly." But if you respect someone deeply, and care about their approval, the same criticism stings more.

So when someone says "Hey, does it suck to be you?" the emotional immune system will kick in and say "Uh, no." Because it's a rude thing to ask. And the very act of asking the question triggers a defensive response. So I'd be surprised if this question gets anyone raising their hand to say "Yup! I made this choice on my own, but you're right, I messed up. It sucks to be me. I'm missing out."

The people designing on Windows prefer it. The people who don't have switched.

I hear your frustration, but you're vastly under-estimating software development and how much Sketch gets for free from OS X's APIs. If you want cross-platform, go to Adobe.

Hi Rick! Glad you liked the article. Thanks!

I totally agree that any one of my assertions have tradeoffs. And personally I'm the most "stick with the platform" designer I know. So I agree with you 100% percent philosophically.

But in my experience it's just not feasible to tell a Microsoft, or a Facebook, or a Google to default to the conventions of the platform rather than the conventions of the company. Respecting the platform is always my strategy on the teams I'm on, but the tactics are tricky. It ends up being hand-to-hand combat on each issue rather than declaring a sweeping philosophy up front and assuming everyone will fall into line.

Though I wish that worked for me. It'd save a lot of time :)