I agree with much of this.

While not a solution, I believe a way forward is going to entail increasing the number of eyes on the codebase, PRs and proposals. Maybe Im mistaken, but I feel like there's a brain drain effect happening, and if we as a community dont address that, not only will we ossify by default, but we'll be at risk of not being able to adequately address risks in a timely manner.

Im still in favor of OP_CTV. Its unfortunate that a rift was created over premature discussion of activation methods prior to achieving community buyin. In the intervening years, more seem to be in favor, but its not clear that consensus is there yet. 

It doesnt help that when a core dev gets upset over how discussions go on the devlist or github issues that some take to twitter to incite the mob.

The most important point of the post though is that about inaction. Doing nothing is not ideal. We must act.