For maximum flexibility just make "areas" much more informal, or even drop the concept completely. Instead just dole out "ADs" (now just plain IESG members) to WGs as the IESG sees fit, perhaps in consultation with WG chairs. For new WGs, the sponsoring IESG members would be it, and if there isn't one then one should be assigned (or the WG should not be chartered). This would allow the IESG to balance its members' load as the IESG sees fit. And it helps a bit with scheduling: since ADs can't be in two meetings at the same time, one way to ensure non-conflicting meeting slot assignments for N WGs is to have one AD for all N. :) I rather like this. IESG members should be generalists who can specialize as needed. Specialist reviews are already available from the various directorates anyways. One downside would be less stability for WG/"AD" assignments, but where that's seen as disruptive the IESG would -presumably- work hard to keep stability. Anyways, that's my take of what the IESG is saying here: "areas" no longer work as an organizing principle. Assuming I read that right, I agree. Nico --