Description of problem:

I think I've discovered a subtle yet long-existing bug in the Linux community.  The high-level code for this bug is

int num_layers = 2;
while (developers_bored == true) {
  printf("Hey, there are %d audio layers in Linux.\n", num_layers);
  printf("Someone should write a layer to unify them.  I'll do it!\n");
  add_audio_layer();
  num_layers++;
  sleep((3 + rand(3)) * ONE_YEAR);
}

Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable):

First noticed around the time ALSA was introduced.  Confirmed with release of PulseAudio.

How reproducible:

Always.

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Spend many years becoming familiar with latest audio layer.
2. Wait a few years for layer/subsystem to stabilize and work.
  
Actual results:

Another half-functional layer is added on top of other half-functional layers.

Expected results:

A single, mature, functional audio subsystem.

Additional info:

Similar issues noted with hardware probing and abstraction.  May be related, but not yet confirmed.