In reply to Jeffrey.

I totally agree. I don't understand why plugins and the plugin repository don't have a higher priority. Plugins make WordPress work. Plugins allow WordPress to do the things end users want it to do. Need an e-commerce website? WordPress cannot do it without a plugin. Need a simple contact form? You need a plugin for that. Want to stop spam? You'll need a plugin for that too. I could go on and on.

That fact that the plugin repository is staffed by volunteers is quite telling. It should be staffed by people who are being paid. The work they do is crucial to the success of WordPress.