[kc5tja]

I'd also like to point out that having a base-line level of functionality often allows for domain-specific extensions to be written, either as adjunct libraries (c.f., libcloud and rackspace-monitoring libraries for Python), or as integrated extensions in succeeding versions (how Emacs evolved over time).

You're right to think it's impossible to keep up; even getting this far, I've heard rumors and tremors about up-coming V3 APIs in several areas. I'm sure by the time V3 support is contributed, V4 will be on the drawing board. Thankfully, the general availability of a V3 API does not usually preclude the continuing support for V2.

All we can do is deliver value to our users in a consumable format while trying to remain aware of any changes in our ecosystem.