> and most Linux apps are designed with gcc in mind

I can understand using GCC instead of other compilers, since I favour it myself (outside of clusters). However, apps depending on a particular compiler bother me. The main reason for C's creation was portability.

C code that is meant for widespread use should be tested on at least two different compilers. While not having different architectures lying around is excusable, getting a copy of icc is easy. :{