>> Is there a reason why this is done like this? Why not just set this
>> value inside the defvar?
> I was adding things to this and defvar only sets it if it is unbound.

Try reevaluating the defvar with C-M-x

> I
> figured since this is so easy to read and simple, people might add their own
> and eval the buffer. This makes it trivial to add more options.

It's unusual for people to edit package files directly. They usually add configurations to their init files. In this case, if your package is loaded after their init file your setq will override their setq.

> In the elpa wiki it mentioned that if you don't have push rights your code
> will be added by someone else after two days. I have an account on Savannah
> but I'm I never saw if this includes push rights to elpa, although I would
> assume not. Does anyone know what further steps I will need to take?

You need to sign the copyright assignment, and then I can push it for you (you're not the first to ask, the readme really should say this).

To get started on that, follow these instructions:

-------

Please email the following information to assign@gnu.org, and we
will send you the assignment form for your past and future changes.

Please use your full legal name (in ASCII characters) as the subject
line of the message.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUEST: SEND FORM FOR PAST AND FUTURE CHANGES

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