In reply to Chip Bennett.

The TRT is not privy to any secret plan to eliminate non-core Themes, or to put commercial Theme shops out of business.

I believe that. Inside actors at WP routinely blink when asked about activities & directions not precisely in their job-description (and even within it). "How would I know"? The Left Hand at WordPress is not privy to the aims of the Right Hand. That's both an organizational/operational known-strength, and a known source of trouble.

That the TRT is 3 years (and counting) on their mandate 'says things', in and of itself. That the TRT was clearly vested with policy-powers from the beginning, as well as performing the routine service of "Review", is additional 'head-scratching' info. A cocked eyebrow reaction to TRT appears warranted.

I have a very old & dear friend who once confided to me (a non-secret) that her husband has been getting drunk and beating her up, for their entire 16 year marriage. "Sixteen years, now, every couple weeks or so"? She flushed & looked away ... and today it's 31 years.

Three years is a long time in WordPress' field. Is TRT getting anywhere? Three years to sit on, mull a policy-decision ... that doesn't speak to a refined Executive-expertise. Yeah, there's some problems with themes ... but that TRT is actually part of the/any solution, is not obvious/convincing. Hasn't been, and like with my friend, I'm not expecting much to change.