The problem with that is that it completely disregards one market, i.e., the one that wants an integrated system. You could probably install six programs that do these individual things, but then you'd have to install six programs. That's a non-starter for those looking for the integrated solution.
Certainly there are plenty programs that are designed modularly, componentized, plugin-based, compositional, whatever... They just never feel as good as purpose-built apps with good workflows. If you know of one that does, please do forward it on because I'd love the inspiration.
I think Keybase does what it intends to do, which is to make PKI accessible to non-experts and to cultivate a community of users achieve the usefulness that network effect affords.
If you're really just looking for encryption and signing, encrypted filesystems, encrypted chat, distributed filesystems, and you're an expert, you have the tools you need.
> They just never feel as good as purpose-built apps with good workflows. If you know of one that does, please do forward it on because I'd love the inspiration.
I think the flaw here is that you're (likely) comparing purpose-built with unrelated unix-like apps.
What could have been done here with Keybase, is a purpose built app composed of unix-like tools, all controlled and implemented towards the purpose-built app. Aka the IM would be unique if you wanted it, or bundled with the FS, but both would be first-class Keybase citizens.
Unfortunately most companies don't put the time or effort into letting people consume parts of their offerings. It's all or nothing. Which is the complaint here, imo.
I wonder if Keybase could re-factor in a way that makes the core functions and various features available as small, focused tools, but still allows them to build the comprehensive binary for general users who want everything.
