[spookie]

Yup, it's interesting. I think a major cause is just a lack of perspective. Maintainers are likely working for free, have their own jobs and the like. They will appreciate it if you make their jobs easier, and will be extremely cautious if you are changing fundamental/core components as a new guy in town.

One needs to study on their own, use forums or get in touch in some other way that isn't a PR if they want help. Also, while studying the codebase, finding low hanging fruit is going to be easy. That's where everyone should start.