I'm here for much shorter time than You, but to my knowledge, above sentence is only true for talk.maemo.org, not maemo.rg as a whole. So, ITT was "transferred" to talk.maemo.org domain. Root of some funny things (like always non-ideal integration of maemo.org and talk.maemo.org accounts) is there

/Estel

// Edit

Abe, you've also asked about kernel-power. It's effort to backport mainstream kernel things, that fits N900 need + own KP patches, tied specifically to N900. Definitely a must.

I've also forget to mention busybox-power - fortunately, others fixed that. It is backport of mainstream busybox version, which some specific patches - sometimes, those patches even affected mainstream busybox (wonderful work of iDont become included in mainstream busybox).

Generally, those things (backupmenu, KP, CSSU, busybox-power - mentioned in my and other people posts) are essential thing for every power-user. Treat is as even higher priority than OpenSSH

Many people also suggested packages, that are far from being "essential" - like opera, music players etc. Personally, I would avoid suggesting such things to new member - everyone should install what she/he fancy.

BTW, do you know that Easy Debian is going to have new, pure Squeeze image soon, thanks to Sulu's work? Of course it's totally up to You, but I would wait for a while with customizing it, then apply personal patches/tweaking to Squeeze version

/Estel