But I think it's exactly these "wishlist features" that make frameworks/packages a necessity in the first place. If PHP had these functions well-implemented and -documented in the core, it wouldn't be necessary to have 10 different flavors of PHP frameworks and packaging systems. That's why you don't see any (or very few) 3rd-party .NET frameworks.
Instead of the community fragmenting again and creating yet another packaging system, the community should contribute directly to the PHP core to eliminate the need for frameworks and package galaxies in the first place. (Though packages would still be useful for lesser-used or shiny and new features.)
Is that practical given the political and code state of the PHP core? Maybe not. But I guess that's why I called it a "dream situation" in my OP.
Instead of the community fragmenting again and creating yet another packaging system, the community should contribute directly to the PHP core to eliminate the need for frameworks and package galaxies in the first place. (Though packages would still be useful for lesser-used or shiny and new features.)
Is that practical given the political and code state of the PHP core? Maybe not. But I guess that's why I called it a "dream situation" in my OP.