No, linear games are not bad. Their quality can vary as much as any nonlinear game.

Generally speaking though, linearity in games is a bad trait. I mean let's face it, saying a game is very linear is essentially the same thing as saying a game is very confining/restricting. Now, as a player, if you're placed in what you deem to be a compelling/interesting world, do you want to be confined or restricted in the way you see it and interact with it? Of course not. Why the fuck would you? So basically, the more linear your game, the more every other aspect/element has to come together to pull you in.

Well someone like myself prefers more open world and exploration, but linearity isnt a problem if its done well. Final Fantasy X is a perfect example of this. As apposed to XIII which how it can go wrong.

I agree with ya. I believe that RPG's shouldn't be as linear as FFXIII was. That is when it's a problem. 

I don't mind a game from other genres being linear.  

Final Fantasy XIII is a very good example.

Not really in my case.

But to most it depends on the genre. People would give flack to games like Metroid: Other M for its linearity because the franchise was known for its non-linearity. However, no one really cares about the linearity of the Super Mario Galaxy games because of their platforming genre.

I have a friend (who is also a gamer) pursuing his PhD in Psychology. His dissertation actually revolves around how gaming affects social interactions, behavior etc.

During his research he has found that some people CANNOT process linear games for a variety of reasons such as:

Inability to accept authority or social norms - these types just get fed up if a game gives you strict missions or objectives as such they tend towards games that let them goof off indefinitely such as GTA.

Inability to accept loss or endings - these types do not want to progress a story as to avoid the risk of beloved character dying or town being destroyed etc. They are also reluctant for the fantasy to end, some of these people drifted towards mmos for this reason and have trouble finishing books or tv shows as well.

Inability to be immersed/cynicism - some are just unable to immerse in a game world to the point that they just don't care why the game is linear, they just see it as something being in the way of them doing what they want. "Why can't I go over there from the start of the game? Lost technology that must be discovered to unlock it? Screw that, this game sucks. Going to play Skyrim where I can just walk to wherever I want."

Anyways, some actually have a mental aversion to linearity it seems.

No more  mister nice guy?

Should include, some people doesn't want any objective in life, they just want to wander.

Depends on how the linearity is handled.
Bioshock infinite had tons of abilities, weapons, and a fantastic story that carried the corridor shooting style.

Compared to Order 1886, where the gameplay remained solid, but otherwise repetitive and short.

And further compared to something like Ride To Hell, with a terrible combat system, bland story, and atrocious visuals.

No. They tend to be hit or miss most of the time if the story. locale or characters are not sufficiently interesting however, more so than other genres. Bad or very mediocre gameplay can be crippling, but not as much as a bad narrative.