I'm with you on #1. Splitting out some xmodules code in to two other modules has really hurt things for new themers, imo. ("What?! I need to include two other modules just to make this one module work?! And this other module needs this module included?!? WTF??" Nice job on discouraging new users...and old for that matter.) In all honesty, it's the primary reason I'm not theming right now. Sure, I could use the older modules, but then I wouldn't be cutting edge. :P So ya, like I said, I'm with you on 1... I really wish it would happen, but I doubt it will.

Disagree on 2... agree with the rest, more or less.