In reply to Shaun Baer.

This idea of a ‘secret room’ where Automatic, 10Up and HumanMade huddle around, decide what they need, and then make it so, is very easy to dream up.

I wish that were the case, then I'd be able to get the stuff I want into core. :) (Not really; I think the project's needs should always come before commercial interests.)

At the end of the day, contributions are made by those who are able to, which is why a lot of it is concentrated in a small group of companies. Contributing to open source is expensive, and not everyone has the ability or means to be able to.

I agree with your other points on more transparency and openness, although not sure on the voting idea. Would be great to explore this though.