I do know code and I've previously checked on how the game access memory locations and tracks things on servers. The entity system supports easy additions. This proposed feature also only uses existing properties of current game elements, meaning no new complex code.
Therefore, he can either easily create it or he's a shit coder.
Thus, since he's probably not a shit coder I'm left wondering why he hasn't.
I have demanded nothing. Chill the hell out everyone. I question his development process. Either provide some logical argument or move on. No need to go fan boy on me. You won't get any brownie points for defending him on a forum he doesn't read.
Hey, Here's why. He is in the process of actually creating a business. Like, getting employees, finding an office space, and getting things set up. That takes a lot of work, and while, yes, he could be working on Minecraft, his work now will allow for even more rapid development.
He took a tour where he could see some perspective opportunity with established studios, and he's decided (or so it seems) that the best thing to do is start his own small company. He is making serious cash from Minecraft and will no doubt continue to work on it, but obviously getting his shit ready is the priority. To put a sad turn on things PayPal flagged his account and now funds he needs are being held from him, which is throwing a wrench in the works.
It's sad to see the lack of content that we have had recently, but there are reasons why, and good ones at that. I feel no worse for my purchase, nor do I feel any animosity towards Notch. He is an astounding success story and sets a very good example for anyone looking to do something similar.
As to his developmental process, it is his game, and he's going to do what he wants, Multiplayer is a priority for him, but I seriously doubt that Jukeboxes and other simple additions are taking much time. That is why they are the Secret Friday Updates, they are quick and fun additions. Multiplayer is obviously a more complicated beast, which takes time to tame. Doing the small and fun stuff is something of a comfort for him, as he has previously stated.
There are general concerns, I myself have hoped for more rapid development on the Multiplayer side, but I'm not worried. I see why it hasn't happened and I'm not going to complain. Once Notch get's his affairs in order, things should pick up quite rapidly. Until then, things might be slow, or (as they have) stop entirely, but I'm not bothered.
I do not regret the 13 dollars I spent on it, not one bit.