> so far the only 'evidence' I've seen are some low benchmarks for memory
> bandwidth. [...] this isn't really a contest between the X5000 and the quad G5,
> as the only OS they have in common is Linux.

As you know, the Cyrus/X5000 memory performance doesn't come off significantly better if compared to AGP-based G5 PowerMacs with benchmarks completely done on MorphOS.

> monolythic kernel [...] I don't find that ideal. If I'm going to [...] use an OS based
> on one of those, I'll just use Windows

"the kernel performs almost all the tasks of a traditional microkernel; the strict distinction between Executive and Kernel is the most prominent remnant of the original microkernel design, and historical design documentation consistently refers to the kernel component as "the microkernel"."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Windows_NT#Kernel

;-)