> Matz seems to have indicated that RubyGems
> will become part of the core when it's ready, then it will work
> transparently.

This ISN'T true.  And I quote matz here:

"I think there's need for both a packaging "system" and a package
repository.  I wish for a sound cooperation of the former (rubygems?)
and the latter (rpa?).  I'd happy to merge the packaging system (with
which both teams can agree) in the standard Ruby."

Edited for easy reading:  (uppercase are RFC-style emphasis, not
irc-style yelling)

"I wish for a sound cooperation of RubyGems and RPA.
I'd be happy to merge the packaging system (with which BOTH TEAMS CAN
AGREE) in the standard Ruby"

Those who want to read carefully without skipping words will understand:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matz HAS NOT indicated RubyGems will become part of the core.

Matz HAS indicated BOTH TEAMS will have to agree before ANYTHING gets
in the standard Ruby.


Another flawed misconception:  
--------------------------------------------
The language has to be modified to accomodate packaging

No decent programming language I have seen on earth has had to be
modified in order to accomodate a packaging system, (whether RPA or
Rubygems is beyond the point) which is ultimately an application level
concern.

Ideally, the Ruby implementation by Matz COULD, (but doesn't
necessarily HAVE TO) implement the needed feature as an extension to
the readily available 'require' statement.

The consequences of something like a pervasive require_gem as part of
the standard could stay with us for too many years to come.  Think of
Ruby compilers dealing with that.


Finally as Matz has clearly said:

"I wish for a sound COOPERATION of RubyGems and RPA."

This doesn't mean RubyGems has to absorb RPA, nor RPA absorb RubyGems,
nor any of the other misconceptions that have been widely advertised.
Much less the horrible thought of butchering either project,  as
someone has cluelessly said in previous threads.
(something clearly neither the RubyGems team nor the RPA team want)


from the dictionary:

TO COOPERATE:
--------------------------
   1. To work or act together toward a common end or purpose.
   2. To acquiesce willingly; be compliant
   3. To form an association for common, usually economic, benefit