Hello,
I think it is very much in the interest of Python to evolve our processes in order to encourage more core-developers. Evolving means experimenting *and* being willing to change. It is certainly less *effort* to accept the status quo, but with several more committed and enthusiastic (and good) core developers there is an awful lot (more) we could achieve.
I certainly agree we should try to attract more good-willed and competent contributors. I also agree with Stephen that, in a project with a non-trivial amount of complexity such as CPython, not having (tracker or commit) privileges is not the real barrier to entry. You have to learn how the software works, how its development works, who are the people working on it, etc. Regards Antoine.