[Python-Dev] PEP 292-related: why string substitution is not the same operation as data formatting

[Tim Peters]

[Aahz]
> I've used "%20s" * 5 frequently enough in the past to do crude tables.
> That's not a feature I'd like to lose.

So has Guido -- he'll remember that before it's too late <wink>.  Ditto "-"
to switch string justification.  Prediction:  the $(name:optional_format)
notation will win in the end.