Re: [JDBC] JPA + enum == Exception

This is not entirely unrelated to the discussions about allowing
broader use of automatic casting server-side.  It seems to me that
on one side of the argument is the idea that strict typing reduces
bugs and doesn't lead to problems with ambiguity, especially as
things change; and on the other side the argument is that where no
ambiguity exists we would make life easier for developers of
applications or access tools if we relexed things beyond what the
related specifications require, and that not doing so discourages
adoption.  I think that all the same arguments apply here with
equal force, on both sides of the issue.

The problem with this debate has always been that both sides are
completely right.  Those are always the toughest to resolve.  It
comes down to which evils we tolerate to garner which benefits.  It
seems that in such cases inertia tends to win.  I'm not so sure
that it should.  An ideal solution would find some way to address
the concerns of both sides, but so far that has eluded us when it
comes to the type system.