RFC: Who is darktable for / What is the "mission statement"

I'm sure we're all more than familiar with the "darktable isn't like X, therefore it sucks" and similar complaints. Recently I became aware of Arch Linux's idea of user centrality, which got me thinking of having something similar for darktable that can be featured on the website in some way. Then I got into arguments with some detractors in the comments of a YouTube video about RapidRAW ("this is the kind of UI darktable should have" etc) and today there was a big discussion on Reddit, all of which prompted me to do this RFC.

Considering that darktable is becoming better known, with more people jumping in blind and/or with the wrong expectations, I suspect that we will only get more of this kind of nonsense, so trying to get in front of at least some of it would be a good idea for everyone's sanity.

So if we can come to some kind of consensus on DT's target user and what the "mission statement" is, I will rewrite the introduction on the front page to make visitors aware of what they are in for and also add a more in-depth FAQ entry along the lines of what Arch Linux has. Longer term I have plans to rewrite the about page, which would also be a good place to have this kind of information.

Start by reading the RFC and its discussion to understand the proposed consensus on darktable’s target users and mission. If agreement is reached, update the website front-page introduction and add the planned FAQ entry; the longer-term about-page rewrite is also identified as a possible location. Done means the project’s audience and purpose are clearly documented.