it wouldn't work in the end(except for certain users). all distros layout their excrement differently(albeit similarly), it isn't all uniform. On top of that, kernel versions aren't compatible.. then on top of that even you have the schism between x86 and x86_64.. linux is a excrement storm like that that's why most linux programs aren't distributed in binary like dpball is, but in source with bootstrap, configure, make(/make install) scripts included
You've pretty much described exactly why I hate developing on Linux.
Unfortunately, distributing is source form isn't really an option with the cheating issues we have. I mean, yeah, you can download and compile the source, but there's really no feasible way to tell the difference between a user who has compiled the source without changing anything and a user who has added a few "enhancements". That's why I have to release a standard binary file.
To be completely honest, Linux almost isn't worth the effort. Maybe 1% of players use it. The main reason I have Linux support is for the servers.