I think you're missing the implicit "open source" in this statement. The OP mentioned "recompile Mesa" and getting buggy 4.x support. No open source driver supports 4.x yet. I'm aware that proprietary drivers are far ahead, see my other posts.
The "implicit" open source in that statement is more than a little important to state explicitly. You're correct (AFAIK) about open driver support, but many many people use Linux, support free software, but are willing to install the nvidia or amd drivers for the performance benefits they bring so they can get work done. Especially if you're willing to cave and just use a Mac, I think the comparison to nvidia's closed drivers is a fine one.
I don't mean this in a bad way, but if someone says "recompile Mesa", I take it for granted that the understood context is "open source drivers". I didn't mean to confuse anyone.
