The "only" problem with that is that it breaks Babel (which checks for
the old definition).  Babel can be fixed in the obvious way by checking
for the changed definition and changing its own replacement.

However, BABEL IS NOT IN THE SVN REPOSITORY AND DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY.
ARRRRGHH!!!!!

Obviously, the change needs to be made simultaneously.  PLEASE, PLEASE,
PLEASE, Johannes, can you submit Babel to the LaTeX repository or send
your repo to somebody who can?

-- 
David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum