I fully realize I am relatively new to package management discussion, but IMHO there seem to be only two issues, and we are debating the finer points of:

1) Better package management (documentation and included dependencies)

and

2) Better (more consolidated) interface for installing packages

Both of these are essential (the current system is quite convoluted) but require a lot of volunteer hours on the part of somebody.

My suggestion is to only have ONE place where all packages and applications reside, overseen by a management team or perhaps some senior developers who are willing to volunteer some time to achieve the quality control we seem to agree is necessary. In my idealistic vision, the front end of this application would function in a manner similar to other online application stores or content stores (ie the iTunes music store) in which applications are categorized (often in multiple categories) and have in depth descriptions included, as well as user ratings and reviews.

I realize we already have a lot of this structure (user reviews on maemo downloads, categories and so forth) but it needs to be brought together in a coherent manner, and older packages must be brought up to date.

Then, from there, once the database of applications has been gone through and "fixed" I suggest an on-the-device application/package manager that has an easy to use GUI interface, and will do on-the-spot checking to make sure you have all the necessary support packages.

What this will require is the support of a team of volunteers/coders to provide accurate documentation for the existing packages, and to upload new packages to the database, making sure each field is filled in correctly. Also required is the creation of stricter standards for application documentation and dependancy listings. Once the current packages have been brought up to speed, the system would require maintenance by several persons who have the time to manage the database, and make sure all the content is filled in the required fields.

My ideal GUI user interface would have the following features, here exemplified by the iTunes music store which most of us have come to know and [sarcasm] love [/sarcasm]: