Linus Torvalds is abrasive
And in other news, water is wet.
However;
A. When he's abrasive, there's usually a damned good reason.
B. I'd rather have someone vent at me, then tell me how to fix it when I'm wrong, than smile in my face and stab me in the back without giving me a clue.
So, although I'd probably end up calling him a cunt twice a week, I wouldn't mind working for him, because I'd always know exactly where I stand.