Thanks for moving the post in the appropriate topic and for the helpful reply! 
Library versions are practically set in stone at compile time, meaning that you often can't grab a package from one Linux and expect to get it working on a different one. This is even before you get to the platform differences; Linux seems to be identical on Intel 32 bit, Intel 64 bit, Arm or any other hardware platform to which it's been ported. Seems. Isn't.
It sounds nice but I doubt there is many players out there running Linux. If and until SteamOS kicks-on I see Macs as the only real route for UNIX/UNIX-like gaming.
Sorry for bumping this old thread, but I finally got my hands on alpha, and tried out running "Elite: Dangerous" under Wine in Linux. Unfortunately my fun was cut short, because EDLauncher is .NET app and it seems Wine still struggles with them. I will continue my digs and workarounds, but so far no big luck. If someone knows tricks how to make dotnet40 install properly under Wine, let me know.
Edit: it seems biggest problem is Net 3.0, which doesn't install on Wine, Net 2.0 and Net 4.0 does. Unfortunately, EDLauncher requires 3.0.
Tried playing with winetricks?
Probably preaching to the converted herebut try with a fresh install of wine, winetricks, and look here for installing .Net 3 for example on Mint http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=95965
Please keep us updated, I would definitely like to see ED running on Linux.
Not sure if this short interview with DB re Linux has been posted to this thread already; from the dates it seems unlikely.
http://www.tuxradar.com/content/interview-david-braben-0