For over four decades, the X Window System—commonly known as X11—has been the backbone of graphical interfaces in the Linux world. But recent calls for its retirement are growing louder, thanks to its ancient architecture. However, the successor, Wayland, is proving to be far from a perfect replacement.

Community feedback, particularly from a recent poll by tech enthusiast Brodie Robertson, has shed light on the many frustrations users face as they contemplate a shift from X11 to the much younger Wayland, which is already 16 years old.

A myriad of challenges await, ranging from straightforward issues like unported applications to more complex compatibility problems. For instance, users attempting to run X11 and Wayland applications in tandem often find themselves struggling with basic functions like drag and drop. Add to that the disheartening reality that older graphics cards, such as the GeForce GT610 and GT710, may not fully support Wayland, leading to heightened resource demands.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Wayland also falters in user experience with problems like the absence of global hotkeys and inadequate support for graphics tablets. Streaming software OBS, for instance, doesn’t even accommodate embedded browser windows, causing headaches for content creators.

Even more concerning for non-English users, Wayland has been reported to have worse support for languages like Japanese and for onscreen keyboards compared to its predecessor. Issues continue with overscanned monitors, multiple mouse cursors, the inability to set window positions reliably, and no substantial automation tools like xdotool. To make matters worse, gamers are reporting poorer input latency when using Wayland.

Many users have expressed indifference toward Wayland, citing a lack of compelling new features that make it worth the transition. Furthermore, critics highlight that the Wayland developers seem to disregard established standards from Windows and macOS, sparking ongoing debates in the community.

In summary, while there’s a push for progress away from X11, Wayland's journey to becoming the default option faces significant roadblocks that may keep many users tied to the past.