Linux started because Linus wanted a 386-specific Minix kernel, so he could have true virtual memory and memory protection. He also wanted to drop the microkernel design.

At the time, many Minix users were using other hardware — particularly 68000 on the Amiga, Atari ST and Mac, but also 8086 on older PCs. Minix for PC was available for 8086 or 386, same code on different disks, and the 8086 version was apparently outselling the 386 version 2:1.

Andy Tanenbaum was unwilling to put 386-only code in the kernel and either split the community or throw the non-386 users under the bus, so Linus decided to write his own replacement kernel.

So I don't think Linus has ever really cared about what is good for the broader community.