I'd like to propose a Init Hackfest for Debian when etch is released.

Debian includes several init systems, including sysvinit, runit, minit, initng and upstart. However, only sysvinit is really supported, and others can be used in a compability mode (and most of their benefits are gone then). So there is some work to be done here. Some init scripts probably could also use some cleanup. :-)

Shortly after the release of etch is probably the best moment to work on such key parts such as the init system, since many packages are affected. I suggest to provide patches to the package maintainers and do uploads to 7-day delayed.

If you are interested, maybe you could add your name to the wiki page? I also think the mailing list initscripts-ng-devel at alioth is appropriate for discussion.