I hope the following statement isn't taken as negativity, divisiveness, or complaining, I'm just stating an observation.
JohnWho, after reading about all the changes and additions to the NEW readme file you are working on, it sounds as though it is morphing into something else - a "user manual".
If that is what it is becoming, maybe it should be included as such, and a more traditional readme file (concise, focusing on last minute changes, etc.) could also be included.
Just my two-cents about the matter, and in closing I would like to say; your hard work and contibutions have not gone unnoticed.
Excuse me while I put my flame retardant suit on.