This is still not a `policy statement' but just to say that we are listening hard and we do not entirely disagree with any of the arguments (even when they are contradictory:-). The Team is of course aware of the useful facilities provided by e-TeX and is also in close contact with the omega developers. Robin's summary of the current situation is very good and we are aware that we need to provide a reasonably detailed and definite answer to (almost) his question: how should we best proceed from here? and that the answer should be, if possible, one that takes account of the needs of different devlopers whilst avoiding the dangers of trying to be all things to all devlopers. Frank and Chris