| Your argument is convincing, but doesn't explain why open access is not
| given to works-in-progress for consultation by interested parties (i.e.
| read-only access).
Sorry I missed this earlier; there's a very simple answer. The
specification work unavoidably reveals details about product plans.
That's why there are confidentiality restrictions. Make access open
to everyone and the big companies won't play. (Please don't tell me
why they should think differently or whether this position makes
sense. I'm just reporting the facts.)
Jon