If this is true you should really get those users to give you objective evidence that 1) they exist and 2) they feel this urgent about it then, at the very least

Edit: Probably not in the form of HN search results though? Lol come on, a bit of a quality issue there if we're going for objectivity.

GIMP devs have been hammered by highly subjective UX & feature critics for decades now. They are humans and know they'd be doing work on behalf of people who seem complainy, persistent, and lacking perspective compared to their own priority view. So, software Karens? :-) Where's the carrot? How is this issue supposed to turn out well for anyone involved?

If it's really objective and a big deal and not just subjective annoyance compounded by years of boundaries set in your path, show the proof and be convincing about it. And this may seem a stretch but I think it can be done gently if you will it.