In open-source communities like FFmpeg and the Linux kernel, the primary criterion for contribution is the quality and excellence of the code itself, not the contributor's background or status. Maintainers, often a small core group, rigorously review submissions to ensure they meet high standards, as they are responsible for the long-term maintainability of critical software. This meritocratic approach, though sometimes perceived as harsh, ensures the robustness and reliability of the projects.

Impact: High. The unwavering focus on code quality in open-source projects ensures the creation of highly reliable and maintainable software, even with a small core team managing vast contributions.

In the source video, this keypoint occurs from 00:51:07 to 00:53:12.

Sources in support: Kieran Kunhya (FFmpeg Contributor, Developer of FFmpeg X account)