Having just got into gliding and looking to what software will run, what it offers etc i came across lk8000 and xcsoar, both very good. My first reaction is that two groups of very capable developers have gone separate ways( it doesn't matter why) to develop for the good of glider pilots. Now everyone in life wants different, the world over! Both free, people can download both and sample which they prefer. I personally found lk8000 easier to set up. But haven't used either enough to pick one. As a fixed wing power jock I use skydemon on a mini iPad. I think this suits MY purpose over the others.
With lk8000 and xcsoar you could use both on a tablet pc.
Lets stop the public debate from the developers claiming who has the best! I think it very unprofessional and doesn't affect my judgement as to which I prefer, once I've used both I have no doubt that I will pick one ov er the other.
To the develops, just go out to have in your opinion the best product, don't worry about the competition. The end user will decide on the best. They probably isn't a best as everyone has different ideas on what they require.
Lets all be thankfully that we have a free choice and that people are able to develop software of this complexity and give it away.
From me thanks to both the lk8000 and xcsoar team. Keep up the good work.