[rpd] [Last Call] Draft Policy Proposal - Hierarchical Names for New AS-SETs (AFPUB-2026-ASN-001-DRAFT02)

[Nonjabulo Sphilile]

Dear Colleagues,

Hendrik,

I think Tshepo's point is being interpreted more narrowly than it was
intended.

The fact that DRAFT02 contains an exception for restoration does not
automatically mean the concern has been resolved. The issue is not whether
a restoration clause exists, but whether the scope and limits of that
discretion are sufficiently clear and predictable.

A broad "case-by-case" exception leaves significant room for inconsistent
interpretation over time. Tshepo's proposed wording seeks to anchor the
exception to an objective circumstance, namely restoring an archived object
under the same key with documented evidence. That is not simply making the
proposal "more restrictive"; it is making the circumstances for exercising
the exception more transparent and predictable.

Your argument that "without the proposal there is no restoration rule at
all" is also not, by itself, a justification for adopting text that some
members believe requires further refinement. The PDP exists precisely so
that proposals can be challenged and improved before becoming policy.
Raising concerns about ambiguity should not be characterised as
contradictory simply because an amendment is offered.

Finally, policy certainty matters just as much as operational convenience.
If the community agrees that restoration should be possible, then it is
equally reasonable to ask that the policy clearly define when and how that
restoration should occur, rather than leaving those boundaries largely to
administrative discretion.

I therefore do not see Tshepo's position as contradictory. It is a request
for greater clarity and narrower discretion, which is a legitimate policy
objective in its own right.

Regards,
Nonjabulo
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