It is just me or does anyone else appreciate the tone of this letter? I've dealt with many a senior dev and architect that would have totally thrown a mandate down and wouldn't have even spent the time to convince or sell the idea. To me the mutual respect the letter demonstrates (given Carmack's role and talent) is refreshing. I don't know Carmack on a personal level and have never worked in any capacity that would put me in contact with him so maybe I'm off base, but the message he wrote wasn't as cocky, line-in-the-sand, my-way-or-the-highway, etc as some letters and messages I've read by far less accomplished/respected individuals.

Some gems from the article were - "I'm not going to issue any mandates, but I want everyone to seriously consider some of these issues" - "[what I'm proposing is different] so I am going to try and make a clear case for it" - (at the very end)"Discussion?"