Because ChromeOS really this IS linux.

In fact, if you were to take, say, ubuntu (or windows, OSX or just about any other *nix OS) and rig it to auto-run Chrome on login, and block the installation of any other software, you'd basically have ChromeOS from an end-user perspective.

If linux "ain't gonna happen" and Windows "is too complicated", then I can hardly see that granny is gonna be setting up her chromebook or signing up a google account without some fairly close supervision/assistance from your or another friend/family member, and then what's the point?

Unless ChromeOS is gonna be a significantly more stable, better performing and/or easier to support computing option, then there really is no gain for you, or granny.

I'm open to convincing on this, I'm just not convinced currently.

I never understood the open hostility to "linux" whilst willing to embrace, say, Android and now ChromeOS. What we're talking about IS linux. A less flexible, less powerful linux, but not necessarily easier for an end user to use. This view that linux is unable to be substituted in for your mum&dad, granny&pop users just baffles me. Why NOT setup granny with ubuntu and chrome, for example?