[Dev] arch replaced the 'base' package group with a leaner 'base' meta-package

[bill-auger]

there is an open ticket about this on redmine[1] because it was
immediately clear that some action would be required - there is
still much to discuss though in regards to how they should be
done; and the mailing list is the best venue to discuss things
that are yet to be decided

so i am staring this thread to avoid using the bug tracker as a
discussion forum, and for the benefit of list subscribers;
so that the user community and inactive devs can be "in the loop"

let us try to have the general discussion via email amd reserve
the bug tracker for specific work items which are decided to be
done and how

[1]: https://labs.parabola.nu/issues/2506