Do you think it would be helpful to invite the g.d.o community to provide input during the development phase of public themes?

In some ways I agree with you. I think that productivity could indeed be harmed... a lot too. But I have to disagree about the mediocrity bit. To suggest that community development leads to mediocrity is absurd. My favorite CMS, browser, email client, etc... are all open source and community developed.

I would agree with you had you said mediocrity would be the result if there were no end goal but if a goal is established beforehand (ex... an colorized antiques shop theme or chromium fluid gamer blog theme) , I think that is when community development REALLY shines. What I am suggesting is this:

1: designs are drafted by the lead designer of the theme (the one that proposes the theme)

2: commentary is given (regarding the mockups)

3: revisions are made (if they are needed - they usually are)

4: perhaps multiple variants of the theme are developed (using a core that is developed by the lead designer - or something of that sort).

I am not sold on this concept myself! I tend to be a bit stubborn so perhaps I would not be the one to put myself into the guinea pig chamber. But I am thinking that it might just be crazy enough to be "cool" to develop themes with others input.

I think a lot of the people here are really talented and I think it would be a good idea to mix it up with you all. Of course it is just a theory... You may be absolutely right. Themes may need to be designed in a vacuum... Who knows but I am interested in hearing if anyone would want to try something like this.

Thanks for your input!

To where it may not be very feasible to get community involved. Organizing something like this would take planning and coordination and themes may not be worth it.

Of course, as long as we think that themes are not worth a big investment in design and brainpower, perhaps Drupal themes will tend to show a bit of a lack of both. And let's be honest about the themes at Drupal! There are a few Drupal themes out there that shine well but the standard lot, mine included, are rather blase because they are "Generic" and designed with no real purpose. Even the best are still generic looking...

A theme needs to solve a problem. I REALLY look forward to the new features in the Drupal site. I recently heard there will be tagging, voting, and featured themes (featured presumably on votes rather than which ones the Drupal maintainers like today)...

I may just be crazy though... Perhaps I should change my vote! Ha ha