My point is simply this: The lack of a clear formal process for feature
requests leads to this degradation in the conversation. Without a formalized
structure, the conversation devolves rapidly into an argument over semantics
and word choice. It is not my contention that the "core" developers need to
be different in any way. It is also not my contention that the users need to
be different in any way. It is my contention that the "process" currently
generates more ill will than it needs to, and needs to be replaced. The
problem is a systemic one. There needs to be a more formal structure put in
place than just the -hackers mailing list. There needs to be a way to
evaluate the demand for a specific feature as well as the benefits and the
effort it will require. It needs to be done in as neutral a way as possible.
In order to be effective, it will have to be driven into being by the
developers, because they will be the ones who can hamstring it -- not the
users.
Or we can just keep bickering among ourselves over semantics and word
choice. That seems to be fun for everyone so far.
Sean