This was the implement-everything-from-Vim-that's-really-annoying-not-to-have release. Text objects are scheduled for the implement-everything-from-Vim-that's-pretty-annoying-not-to-have release.
I think you've hit the nail on the head, @peteretep.
The problem is that ideologies like TDD try to come up with simple rules for how to develop (i.e. always write tests first). In reality, it's better to use your brain when you're deciding how to approach something (i.e. is this a good situation for writing tests first?)