David,
Rob: since no one else (besides Josef of course) is chiming in (in particular, to "block"), may I suggest/request that you:
0) file an "enhancement" ticket for this improvement;
Done
1) if you have the time and wherewithal, "own" the ticket, implement the improvement (taking care to do so in such a way that the function's extant API is not broken), and submit your patch;
I don't see how to take ownership on the trac site. Please direct me!
If you need guidance in any of this (e.g., locating the scipy developer's Trac page whereon tickets are filed) - or are just to swamped - let me know and I'll be happy to help. Thanks for reporting this.
I am pretty swamped but sooner or later I will feel the OCD take over and do something about it. Of course others are welcome in the meantime. -Rob