[Tutor] Gaining Multiprocessor Systems' Throughput Benefits

[Fred Allen]

Dear Sirs and Mesdames:

I understand that Python's interpreter sets a global lock that 
bars concurrently active multiple threads.  Thus, Python's 
threading model provides no direct means to benefit from 
multiprocessors.  I've related  questions and a request.  I 
fear this mayn't be the forum for either.  If it isn't, I'd 
be just as pleased by the identity of a preferable forum. 

1.  I cannot find a PEP describing any change that might 
enable Python's threading model to gain the benefits of 
multiple processors.  Has such a change been considered and 
rejected? Tabled for later consideration, e.g., Python 3.0?

2.  Have any among you used multiple instantiations of the 
Python interpreter to gain some of the benefits 
multiprocessor systems offer?  If so, would you please bare 
the code by which you did so and some estimate of the 
marginal gain per additional processor?  

With thanks in advance for any help,  I am,

Respectfully,

Fred Allen