It looks like the usual and predictable failure of the open source scheme.
You see, the open source was invented as model of developing software by programmers for programmers. Generally speaking to unite all the sources made by everyone.
The problem is that programmers tend to develop software that they need or want or like to develop.
And here's what we have - artists prefer XaraLX, programmers prefer Inkscape...
Open source is generally not the best approach at developing software. It lacks the regulating factor. In commercial model the market always balances demand and proposition. So that interest of consumers rules the software development. No such thing exists in open source world. If the demand is represented by the non programming group, it will never be properly fulfilled.
Look at the open source software range. Developer tools and system software prevail in enormous variety comparing to commercial world. While the application software is extremely poor, badly developed and of low quality if present at all, comparing to commercial world.
There's simply no motivation for programmers to develop software the way users want it to be, so they develop it the way they want it to be. Good if users and programmers interests are similar, like in case of OS user interfaces or office software, but very bad if they are different, and even worse if there are not enough programmers interested in subject to develop a project.
It's like a communism - it works only when everyone is a communist. Open source really works only for programmers. And it may become a generally acceptable model only in case if all users became programmers. Which is not very likely. Until then, the most effective regulating factor is a market, and so the demand is best covered with commercial software.
XaraLX is just a one of many painful proofs of this old well known truth.