Comment 3 for bug 1026599

Seeing who is involved with the bugs for a project or package helps in understanding whether you have the right one. For example, it would help in telling the difference between <https://bugs.launchpad.net/developer-portal> and <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntudeveloperportal>, or between <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/policykit> and <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/policykit-1>.

If you're new to reporting bugs on a particular project or package, seeing the subscriber list can help you realize that you know one of the contributors on IM/IRC, so you can check with them if necessary about whether you're reporting the bug in the right place.

On the bug report page, replacing the subscriber list with a count would increase noise, because there would be less visible discouragement for people to post unproductive comments. Seeing the subscriber list is the equivalent of being able to see the other people in a room where you're talking.