I'm totally not arguing with you btw :).
I undersatnd the attitude that "the only thing that matters are contributors", however I would argue that the more users you have, the more contributors you will have.
I already mentioned that users are a route towards new developers, Not only because the more users you have the bigger the chances are there is a contributer inbetween, but also because a lot of users spend money on hiring developers for drupal.
However, to the project itself, IMO the only thing that really counts, in the end, is the amount of active contributors. All the rest can be ignored.
isn't what you just said contradictory? What am I missing - Users [help create] new developers [and create] marketplace [which brings] new developers so how can you then turn around and say "...the only thing that really counts, in the end, is that amount of active contributors.." I'm just wondering :). Also I just had a thought (everybody cover your ears...) Is the project about the developers/contributors or is it about the code. I wonder...
I believe that a lot of this conversation is because you have new people coming into the arena with their own ideas, aspirations and needs.
Oh, buit this is a good thing, imo. It keeps drupal from rusting.
agreed :)