Hi, there I like to say that the idea of having a base and base-extra meta package instead of previously base group is a great idea. For me Arch greatest strength is giving the user control and choice over their system and which software they need to install. Having a meta package for really essential packages which every Arch installation needs instead of previously general base group and having to choose which other package to install which some of them have alternatives like linux and linux-lts and so on, is exactly what that means to have choice and control over our system. I think many of complaints that arises with respect to this change is simply about not having enough information about these new changes and how from now on we must install a new Arch. That's where Arch other greatest strength come to play, our beloved wiki. A good explanation in installation page could solve that.
