Folks- Keeping it short and quick, a basic glep has been written for what I'm proposing for DEPENDENCIES enhancement.
The live version of the doc is available at http://dev.gentoo.org/~ferringb/unified-dependencies/extensible_dependencies.html Wording fixes will occur, but the core concept shouldn't change (and if it does, per PEP standards, the changes will be noted/tracked). Please have a read through; it should be clear/concise as to why PM authors are pushing for a unified dependencies to be done, what we can get from it now, what it enables moving forward, and the direct cost to devs should this idea be implemented. Just to be absolutely clear, what I'm proposing is basically zero cost for devs- they can (and should when it's in their benefit) switch to the new syntax when it makes their job easier; it can be used in parallel to existing DEPEND/RDEPEND/PDEPEND both to ease transition/compatibility. In addition, a prototype portage patch has been cut for dependencies support (needs work/full validation), and a matching pkgcore one has been cut. I realize it's a complex subject; if you have questions, please feel to ask. Thanks, and pardon the ancillary/daft noise that has gone with this subject. ~harring
