In reply to Chip Bennett.

Cracking down doesn't automatically translate to no path to compliance. For example, a school might start cracking down on students selling candy at recess. That doesn't automatically equal expulsion.

Same thing here. We've got plenty of highly visible, top themes on WordPress.org that are sporting violations of this guideline which is not a new rule. To suddenly start enforcing it on them (when they have never seen it enforced on their themes before) is akin to cracking down. Word choice in this instance is a matter of opinion.

Our aim through the publication is to inform readers about what is happening, given that they don't all have the time to attend these Slack meetings and sort through all the internal squabbles that happen there.

We're not seeking to be "helpful" or "unhelpful" to any party but rather to make readers aware that a long-standing guideline is now being fully enforced and that the TRT is making reviewers aware of previous oversights. This is a big change for many people who create and use these themes. The post is clear about the fact that the finer points are still being ironed out at the next meeting but that the main guideline is now being enforced. (see Zerif Lite trac ticket example). There was nothing misleading about that.