[jka]

Thanks for writing this; it matches an undescribed feeling that I've experienced for a few codebases.

What I'd add in response is that this "change request load" is much easier to manage for small, well-maintained projects with fewer quirks.

And if the entire project architecture can fit within your mental buffer space at one time, then it's much easier and faster to parry those incoming change requests and pull requests into clear, effective feedback and code.