zlacker

- Thunderbird is probably the best e-mail client around - Blender is one of the best options for 3D rendering - Linux is the best kernel around - Firefox is for many the best browser you can find

There are several examples of OSS being best in class, it's just not the best in every class (yet, at least).

>>ric2b+(OP)
I don't know much about Blender, but the other two, at least, have had substantial contributions by paid engineers (at big, well-known corporations), and likely input from non-engineers (e.g. product staff). They're exceptions to the rule of (F)OSS.