Sounds like a pragmatic solution. The product exists, people keep signing up, and maintenance is minimal. I can completely understand why the Pennarun dropped out, though, since I would loathe working in a career where my job was to fill deficiencies in a product I don't like. It sounds like the real problem is the web of hacks. Nobody likes hacky fixes--they can wear a person out.

It sounds like he'd love to do this, but is unable to (he and his cofounder might be the only people on the planet with the requisite skillset).

I wouldn't be so sure, I can think of a bunch of people I know in real life that could handle it.

I think his article may have been a desperate plea for such people to come out of the woodwork. I implore you to contact the author and refer those people.

I've actually had the pleasure of meeting both of them in real life and they're great people -- honest, smart, fun to talk to -- I imagine they would be great to work with.