[address-policy-wg] saving v4 space for new entrants

> -----Original Message-----
> 
> it is allowed to merge LIR's that have been assigned
> an allocation from the final /8.
>
> I've been hearing several discussions in the grapevines from parties that are
> already low on IP space to use that loop-hole to setup new LIR's, merge them
> and repeat.

What if there are legitimate reasons to merge smaller LIRs?  I don't see any way to attack this without creating more costly enforcement issues and needless forms of categorizing and regulating LIRs.
 
> To me, I think that we should cut off this route asap, otherwise we might as
> well hand out the final /8 as if any other /8 .. and be done with it ...

That is not such a bad option, really. New entrants could acquire them in the secondary market anyway, or from brokers or leases. And if you're a v6 evangelist, the sooner the remaining v4s are vacuumed up, the better, no?

But it may be that the status quo is the optimal middle ground. Perhaps 1/4 of the /22s are actually given to the intended type of recipient, it's better than nothing.

> Btw.. anyone in need of a deckchair ? Just bring some whiskey and cigars ..

And a brass band! And Kate Winslet!!
But why the metaphor of a sinking ship? The v4 internet is not sinking, it's just becoming more efficient.