We have a powerful interactive selection system that makes Darcs really
convenient for experienced users.  For new users, however, the choices it offers
can be overwhelming.
 
Consider:
 Shall I push this patch? (2/2)  [ynWsfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help
 Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [ynWesfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help

I propose that each keypress-based dialogue distinguish between its basic and
advanced options, and that the advanced options be hidden behind the help screen.

Compare:
  Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [ynWesfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help
  Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [yndq], or ? for more options

The basic options should be a very limited set.  I suggest that there should
also be AT LEAST three at AT MOST four.  

I think it's useful to have at least three (where possible) is to help users
become aware of the fact that there are choices beyond 'y/n'.  I suspect they
will ignore the '? for more options' otherwise.

I propose that somebody just write a patch for this, and that once this patch is
sent and reviewed, we check with darcs-users on the principle of the matter.

Making Jason and Florent nosy because I think they in particular would be
interested.

Revised proposal:

Compare:
  Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [ynWesfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help
  Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [yndq], or ? for more options
  Shall I record this change? (1/1)  [yn...], or ? for more options

The new twist is to use '...' to indicate that there's more.  This
actually waiting for Florent's SelectChanges refactors to go in.  Should
be an easy change after that.

The following patch updated issue issue1713 with status=resolved;resolvedin=2.6.0 HEAD

* Resolve issue1713: shorter interactive prompts. 
Ignore-this: bfa234bf337140af441f59958ff72c7b

For example, instead of asking
  Shall I record this change? (1/8)  [ynWesfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help:
we ask
  Shall I record this change? (1/8)  [ynW...], or ? for more options:

The goal is to make the most important options visible while making it
evident that there are more advanced features to be used.

NB: one principle we try to respect is that the default choice should
appear in the window of basic choices.

The following patch updated issue issue1713 with status=resolved;resolvedin=2.5.0 CURRENT

* Resolve issue1713: shorter interactive prompts. 
Ignore-this: bfa234bf337140af441f59958ff72c7b

For example, instead of asking
  Shall I record this change? (1/8)  [ynWesfvplxdaqjk], or ? for help:
we ask
  Shall I record this change? (1/8)  [ynW...], or ? for more options:

The goal is to make the most important options visible while making it
evident that there are more advanced features to be used.

NB: one principle we try to respect is that the default choice should
appear in the window of basic choices.