The answer cannot be in the blockchain, because the problem being addressed (resource usage rising too quickly so only people willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars can participate as fully validating nodes) is outside the blockchain.
IMHO, this is the most salient point on this whole thread. Sometimes you just have to think deeply and clearly to see the truth.
The core dev team are more than just experts in computers, they are also experts in human relations. It's why Gavin and others have so much respect in the community, and certainly why they have my respect. Bitcoin is all about free will and voluntary participation. Every aspect of bitcoin must be in philosophical alignment with those concepts. I'm not worried, I believe the consensus around the principles that bitcoin embodies will continue to grow. This thread has been a great discussion. Some of alternatives to Gavin's plan just don't work on the philosophical level. Therefore, they cannot function on a technical level.