Thanks for start the discussion Stephan! (1) Do we agree on the five basic steps below?* +1 to the five steps and making the third question in the proposal the first.
(2) How do we understand that consensus is reached about adding the feature? +1 to lazy consensus with one committer's +1 (3) To answer the question whether a PR needs special attention Contributor can ask for special attention, which is treated as a suggestion. Committer can ask for another committers' attention, either for advice or transfer the right of decision. IMO it is quite help to add a page about "component experts", attach or link it from README. This would be a really helpful information to new contributors so that they know to whom he can cc or ask for advice. Besides it would be helpful for those who want to know more about the mechanism underneath Flink, now they know with whom they can consult. Best, tison.
