updating for update's sake

[bsd_(_at_)_openbsd_(_dot_)_rutgers_(_dot_)_edu]

I'm not trying to start a war or an argument or anything, I am merely
curious about $SUBJECT.

I've seen a *lot* of updates (as in updating stuff to a newer version, 
not related to infrastructure changes) going into the ports tree lately 
and I have been wondering about something.

Once upon a time it seemed that these "gratuitous" updates were frowned 
upon.  If there wasn't a good reason for updating something there was 
not a good chance it would go in.  It may have been the fact that there 
were less committers (and therefore less time to review submissions), 
I really don't know.  But I am curious what the official stance is now.

ports.html (and the FAQ) basically say to ask MAINTAINER or do the work 
and submit it, but in regards to the philosophy of updating it really 
doesn't say anything (at least that I could find).  It does however 
state that "The update may also be postponed because the new version 
is not considered a crucial update." ...but that doesn't touch on the 
policy, written or unwritten (sorry if it exists and I just missed it).

Thanks in advance for any replies... I'm probably just thinking too
hard about this.