Python does not play well with others

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    John> MySQLdb has version and platform compatibility problems.  

Got specific examples?  I've successfully used MySQLdb on Linux, Mac and
Solaris with no compatibility problems at all.

    John> Even basic sockets don't quite work right; the socket module
    John> encapsulates the timeout mechanism but doesn't get it right.

As has been reported here a number of times, this simply awaits someone with
the time and inclination to do the work.  If it itches you then scratch the
itch.

    John> In the Perl, Java, PHP, and C/C++ worlds, the equivalent functions
    John> just work.  That's because, in those worlds, either the
    John> development team for the language or the development team for the
    John> subsystem takes responsibility for making them work.  Only Python
    John> doesn't do that.

You seem to be expecting something for free from the volunteer development
team.  If these things are important enough you can always pay someone to do
the work and contribute it back to the community.  The work didn't happen
for free in any of the communities you mentioned.  Someone (Sun, AT&T,
whoever) paid for it in either time or money.

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