Contrary to the top answer, I don't think submit a patch means "we don't care if you like our product or not." It means "we are busy improving the product in many other ways."
Apparently, some people think "I have added your request to the end of our infinite backlog of requests" is a more productive response. "Submit a patch" not only conveys the same info, it also provides concrete advice on how you can jump the queue.
Apparently, some people think "I have added your request to the end of our infinite backlog of requests" is a more productive response. "Submit a patch" not only conveys the same info, it also provides concrete advice on how you can jump the queue.