b) maybe add an option to throw an exception when such components are used ("strict deprecation")
This sounds very useful. There are some non-IDE users in our community who aren't that much aware of deprecation. Could it be switched on/off globally?
Might be doable through a build system property. Strict deprecation would be on per default with a hint onto the property in the message, so that they can make their applications run again.
Joerg
