I think Apache's core has become stable and very solid (just like TCP/IP stack). It has a very good modules architecture. Most of the new features are added as module.
There are no need to add more features to the httpd core. Apache is not MS and does not need to add more "features" to the core to just get rid of the competitions. Personally I think Apache has become the next TCP/IP stack in the future of webserver, webservice software foundation - solid, stable, well design, extenable with a lot of new functionalities without changing the core. As an user, I would love to use software with these kind of characterists "solid, stable, well design, extenable". It just works continuously, nothing sexy anymore - like the TCPIP stack, the phone, utilites (water, gas, electrial power), highway, etc. I view for the apache core, httpd-dev's life slowing down as a very good thing. My $0.02 K Lee -- http://www.slink-software.com
