Linux runs on the PS3 virtualised, so the hardware isn't exactly open.
Whether the system devices are virtualised or not, if the hypervisor grants full access over those devices it's still open. The hypervisor's biggest job is preventing access to retail PS3 media and the PS3 OS partition. So far as Linux is concerned, you have full reign. As I said the only device you are barred access from is the GPU and that is the work of nVidia (excepting of course Sony's oblgation to bar access to it via the hypervisor). Actually prior to firmware 1.80 GPU was open too - just left undocumented. The recent leak of Sonys SDK had people find the way to accessing it, but until another hole in the hypervisor can be made it's no longer much good to anyone (all games using it would rely on people not having updated to 1.80 or later).
But Vista does LOOK good!
I'd still use the words 'try to'. As with anything, visual beauty is open to personal preferences. =]
Both the WiiMote and Nunchuk are actual controllers. You use them to control things.
Good for you. Pat yourself on the back. Yes, a remote control is still a controller. Hence the word 'control' in its name.