Comment 79 for bug 267376

I don't want to add to the debate, nor cause the maintainers any difficulty - but I do have a thought. Not necessarily a good one.

Ubuntu now has a method for selectively enabling restricted drivers. This utility, I believe, is not considered "geekish". My thought is perhaps an additional utility should be provided, for "Advanced Application Access". This utility could have a database linked to backports, ppa, and other sources, and be maintained by the appropriate group, and allow for easy updates for high-profile items like the latest OoO, Firefox, etc - without requiring novice users to work with the joys of package management. The database would include comments on new features, possible issues, advice on appropriate usage for new users, etc.

Just a thought to help bridge the gap from the goal of a stable release, with at least some testing of new software prior to inclusion in the release - and a close-to-mainstream inclusion of new core software that didn't quite make the release schedule. Of course, if this just adds to the headaches of maintaining a distro - please forget I said anything.