I'm the Steve "Emerson" mentioned on page 3 (my last name is actually Emmerson).

The assertion that it's difficult for individuals to become Spec Leads of a JSR is false, in my experience. I was pushed into being the Spec Lead of JSR-108 -- kicking and screaming the entire time and looking for a way out.

There may be problems with the JCP, but this isn't one of them -- I'm living proof.