I know this is a bit of a tired phrase, especially from me, but more than anyone else in software, _why reminds me:
"Do not follow in the footsteps of _why, seek what he sought."
"Do not follow in the footsteps of _why, seek what he sought."
Shoes is actually going through these kinds of growing pains at the moment. Shoes 4 is going to be some pretty big changes, and possibly a totally-near re-write. It's hard to do, but sometimes, a break with the past is good for you...