My concern was less about entirely new features (for which this would certainly be a good solution) than modifications to existing things.
Say somebody had a good idea, but is unsure about just going ahead and coding it. He doesn't know whether someone else is already working on that particular part, whether there are concepts to follow, or plans that have already bee decided on, and is generally new to the area.
Searching and posting in the forums is a way, but it is tedious and unreliable imo. The info may be outdated, and some post saying "I'd like to help with x" could easily be missed by those it concerns.
A talk with the most recent author, otoh, could fill him in on the situation, future plans, other contributors, and the ways they could work together in a matter of one or two messages.
It would make things quicker and easier. That's all I'm saying.