I don't really see the advantages of folders with the same name (only the overhead on resources and time and problems with simple search algoritms)
development of new features, hardware support, apps or security patches happens on different levels.
One of the advantages of linux is you can develop software, drivers, ... yourself and post to a mailing list, mail them to coredevelopers or manage your own project. If they are good, they even get implemented in mainstream software. But before you start programming on a new project, it's often good to search for an already existing projects to join efforts (eg. for latest drivers development for webcams, wireless lancards, ...) or a mailinglist (e.g. kernel development...). Separated development has disadvantages (many forks, trees, need for version control system...) but mainly advantages (quick development ...) The OPEN in OSS made it possible to develop an 64bit kernel-system long before m$ released a 64 bit system.
Problems, bugs, new features for existing software, security issues: most of the time these are software-related and posted on usermailinglist, forums, ... of the existing project.
Besides these reasons for development, there is also the urge coming from commercial products(suse, mandriva, RH,...) or other distro's (like debian, gentoo). Most of the projects want a product that works out of the box, supporting as much hardware as possible, having little security holes...
So the choice is yours: contribute to one of the many user mailinglists, help develop an existing a piece of software or start your own project... So YOU actually CAN be a part of linux development, but don't expect a major role (if you're not willing to spend 95% of your live to a penguin)
For users without programming experience I would suggest: learn a language (only the will to learn and a lowlevel linuxbox is required) or participate at a usermailinglist.
To conclude I would not recommend posting to much vague ideas on these means of communication or contact core developers. Most of the people are experienced users or developers and will ignore your post or brake it down (while having their developers-break) if it's not funded on user- or developer-experience. Also don't think Linus is waiting for your mail or post
greetz
bb