Nick Leverton wrote:
[...]

What I feel is missing is a control layer written with reference
to chipset data sheets by a programmer and an audio person who can
simplify by linking controls that are subtly linked to each other
and which are required for other functions (e.g. your LFE control).

[...]

Quite impossible as publicly available datasheets are usually
incomplete. Complete datasheets/prog.manuals are often available only
after signing a NDA. Of course no open-source hacker will sign any NDA,
as he'd violate it by writing open source software.

If you want working drivers, you should use windowze or demand a change
in legislation.