The Pharo team never asked for the opportunity to develop the new version of squeak if they had submitted a proposal at the time, I am sure it would have been considered.

People were against the roadmap we sent for after 3.9 (you remember that) then we were idiots because we use MC, did traits and a lot more kind of shit.

However they didn't want to be involved in the politics, and I cant say I blame them.

Anyhow, better package

management and code sharing (simpler) would be great :)

Sake/Packages was available a year ago

I know, I read it and I could not understand. I even tried to write a book chapter on it
but I failed. I can send the draft to prove it.