Improving .deb

I think it's fair to try to solve one relatively simple problem in the existing format, without trying to replace it. Yes they could also solve this by trying to solve four big problems at once, but I think it would be 4^3 = 64x more difficult to get consensus in Debian on those four problem and their solution, let alone implementing and using that solution.

Debian's long-term direction and future is a worthy discussion but should be a totally separate one. We shouldn't let perfect be the enemy of a good minor improvement.