Re: [PATCH] Remove special requirement to disable startup message.

[Mark Oteiza <mvoteiza@udel.edu>]

On 20/12/15 at 12:13am, Richard Stallman wrote:
> This code blocks the most obvious way for the site to disable the
> message for all users.

Why is this important?

It also makes the init file of a user following the docstring of
inhibit-startup-echo-area-message less portable. Further, it forces
particular syntax upon users not using the customize interface.

> That's exactly what it is meant to do.  When
> this doesn't work, the person will investigate why not, read what we
> said about the issue, and may decide not to do it.

I have yet to see a good explanation for the weird treatment of this
variable. "Preventing site from disabling the message" is silly because
you cannot prevent it. "thoughtless copying of init files" is another
silly reason because the init file can contain elisp that
unconditionally disables the message.