Really? Every single one?

You must have a good source of information for such a statement.

Do you want examples why Solaris was selling so well before the .com crash?

There are several 'early 2000s' after the .com crash. Linux growth was phenomenal, and as tends to happen with growth, starts with smaller market share.

There is no conflict in "linux was growing without the big boys' and 'it started with small market share'.

And yes, you can find exceptions to the rule, although regardless, do you see me saying "exclusively"? What does someone using Solaris, have to do with Linux only growing due to external help?