Making sure maintainers are well paid is indeed an ongoing problem. There is currently no perfect solution within the world we live in. This is indeed no reason to blame the maintainers themselves for the approach they picked.

Happy birthday indeed. Was an excellent and culturally relevant game.

Definitely true. This is why I refrain from using the term nowadays... this allows to focus on the principles instead. Takes more time to explain but allow for slow and steady change management. Indeed it's not perceived as an all or nothing situation anymore.

Plenty of good tips in there. I knew quite a few, but there are a few nuggets that I'll test drive I think.

Nice advices for API design. First time I see the term "inert" used in this context. Definitely one I should keep in mind and use when appropriate.

Definitely this. Managing expectations is a big part of management. It's also important for customer relationship. In both cases, clear communication and finding misunderstandings early are key.