Given the advanced stage that 4e has reached and what must be the company imposed limitations on what Mr Mearls is going to be allowed to do (I very much doubt he will be allowed to change the company's policy on OGL issues, whatever his personal views may or may not be), I am very curious as to what new wind this change brings.
What Mr Mearls posted certainly deserves applause. What better motivation can one have then a desire to inspire a deep love for the game. The 'how' given the circumstances, rifts, warts and all, is the tricky part.
Personally, I think that 4e is at a great stage. I have a clear, easy to manage solid rules set i can improvise with without barely needing to pick up a book. I have more character options and monster options than I could shake a stick at. I use adventures as the bones to build organs into and flesh and skin upon, so I haven't really felt their weakness professed on the boards.
What I am patiently waiting for is more than likely not even within Mr Mearls sphere of influence. (I'm not going to even mention the VTT because ... doh! Mentioned it)
So, I remain curious, and yet enthused that someone who is taking the reigns has such a positive and admirable veiw on what needs to be brought in to 4e. To think it might get even better, that bridges might be built to the entire gaming community, dizzying, wonderful, but we might be putting too much hope on the poor guys shoulders considering he will have to achieve his goals working within the limits of a pre established framework.
All said and done, considering what he wrote, it is good news, fullstop.