Basically you're saying that just about all of the talks should be of interest to everybody. Looking down the submissions, that just doesn't seem to be true. Having fewer talks also means giving a voice to fewer community members to talk about the things they're passionate about. We are one project, but one project with many, many different pieces.

Despite people saying they need more hallway track time, the lobby seating area at Flock last year was /always full/, which strongly suggests to me that at any given time, there was nothing compelling for all of those people to be at. Which is fine. Only at a very large conference is there a must-see in every time slot, and everybody needs some down time. But it doesn't suggest most attendees found there to be too much programming. I really don't think the majority will be happy with only two things to choose from in a time slot.