I was recently on a "globalization" project, trying to get teams around the world all working on the same products/teams, everyone in management seemed to think the only way to get communication working is to have global conference calls 3 times a week, usually at stupid'o'clock. The idea of open discussion on a mailing list was something they just couldn't comprehend. Fast forward six months and the corporate overlord has changed to one that actually does have some pretty good async communication methods in place, they still feel the need to have a global conference once a week while so everyone can read their kanban board aloud.
I don't know exactly what Torvalds reaction would be if he was asked to join a weekly conference call at 4AM with all the lieutenants, but I'd buy tickets to see it.