I can't speak for NetBSD's install guide, other than I didn't have trouble with it when I last installed it. Also, floppies are still relevant for the BSDs, since a lot of people use BSDs in retrocomputing.
Regarding "less innovative," I suspect you're just unfamiliar with what goes on with FreeBSD and OpenBSD. There's lots of innovation there. NetBSD stays simple and traditional, but that's an intentional choice.
FreeBSD has a policy that they don't accept undocumented changes. If you add or modify a feature in a program, you have to update any relevant man pages and also the handbook if necessary. I assume NetBSD and OpenBSD have similar rules. The man pages are where the BSDs really shine - the difference is night and day.
Comments
I can't speak for NetBSD's install guide, other than I didn't have trouble with it when I last installed it. Also, floppies are still relevant for the BSDs, since a lot of people use BSDs in retrocomputing.
Regarding "less innovative," I suspect you're just unfamiliar with what goes on with FreeBSD and OpenBSD. There's lots of innovation there. NetBSD stays simple and traditional, but that's an intentional choice.
FreeBSD has a policy that they don't accept undocumented changes. If you add or modify a feature in a program, you have to update any relevant man pages and also the handbook if necessary. I assume NetBSD and OpenBSD have similar rules. The man pages are where the BSDs really shine - the difference is night and day.