I still like the new plan - just wanted to think out anything bad that could happen before it becomes irreversible. But we can only theorize about the internal database workings so I guess nothing can actually get done.
How about starting with something simple? The GB + GBC are a high priority so merge those two private dats into a new one. Because they're already invisible to the public, who cares about breaking any net links. If an aftermarket P/C breaks, @rarenight can step in.
All new Aftermarkets (unlicensed games) will be pushed into "Aftermarket - Gameboy + Color".
The existing public dats can be dealt with later. The current handling of the never-ending GB/C aftermarkets is creating lots of unnecessary burden - Expedited processing would be beneficial to the team.
As for those troublesome (GB) (SGB) tags, don't make them a priority when 1st datting. Headers are unreliable and not used by the licensed hardware themselves. The burden should be placed on the
*users* to file reports that a game does not work in DMG / CGB mode, is incredibly DMG / CGB buggy (alpha or beta quality, not release candidate quality), or cannot be 100% completed in (non-)GBC mode. By default, assume GB +
SGB + GBC.
- SNES headers can flat-out lie about their size (1.5 MB reported as 1 MB), FastRom (not true - never works), Mapping mode (not lorom), Expansion chip (doesn't exist or wrong config), Manufacturer code, misc.
- Commercial Megadrive headers lie about their checksum (as anti-hack protection) or expansion flags (I think it was Demons of Asteborg Steam release).
There will always be lots of arguments over this - less important details. But I think you've strongly thought things out enough that something can be started. Perfection is not required - it takes too much time to get there. But maybe the dom doesn't have to be transformed in 1 giant step.
EDIT: Because the Aftermarket is 100% invisible to the public, maybe change it so that just hashes (+ misc) are hidden to non-staff? So that users can read just the non-critical stuff. Otherwise most of us won't see the GB - SGB tags and header comments.
EDIT2: Going to try and make this my final blathering. Then run away forever and do something more fun.
In the meantime while the current dat system is kept, how about changing the rules for all new entries?
- By default treat everything as Aftermarket, because there's a 99.9999% that game is unlicensed.
Does not matter if it's free or paid. Blanket rule. If a title is known to be not Aftermarket, then a datter can switch the flag off (Berzerk Enhanced 2600 situation).
- No longer mark GBC games as (GB compatible) or (SGB compatible) in the title. Assume not backward compatible, until completely proven otherwise by a playthrough or gamer testimony. Or explicit (S)GB-compatible marketing, not by the rom header or whatever GB studio claims.
- SGB .. well. Has to show it uses a SGB feature like border or audio or something special.
And works on real hardware.
EDIT3: By tagging as Aftermarket, Unlicensed is now automatically implied. So no double-tag needed.
