[TCLCORE] Critical Phase for TCL/Tk 9

[Harald O. <har...@el...>]

Dear TCL/Tk team,

we are approaching TCL/Tk 9.0 again, similar to last year.
And again, critical issues arise, as more people test TCL 9.
This is great on one side and an issue on the other side.
TCL 9 development now took around 7 years.
Within those years, a lot of decisions were made and discussed, which 
are critical and show-up again now.
- Windows encoding system
- encoding binary
- internal TCL_OBJ reform and access functions (TkInter&Sergey)
- MAC API
To speed-up, the following happened:
- postpone TCL/Tk 8.7
- Start Tk 9.0

The main line why you want TCL/Tk 9:
- large memory objects and file support
- expr {08+09}
- emojis
- Tk visual reform and scaling
- buildin starkits

I personally have no idea how to proceed. IMHO, we need a release of 9.0 
soon. To my perception, any new development is blocked here.

Don Porter will not release if there are major questions. And last run, 
it took one year to clarify the encoding issue...

I can understand that major wizards are disappointed for any 
compatibility change which causes useless work with no gain.
The discussion culture is often rough - computer nerds are no social 
workers like my wife ;-). I feel personally blessed and tend to get quiet.

So, I thank anybody for testing and being in the boat. Please keep on. 
We will find solutions !

Thank you for all,
Harald