Rails does need a better logger by default, and your idea is really good but I am just not prepared to push this much configuration into my apps. We're talking about a yml config file, 14-odd lines in application.rb and an additional 67-line logger initializer.

Given the choice between crappy, non-automatable but still searchable default logs with zero configuration, or this operationally superior solution that requires over 100 lines of code/config I will take the former any time. Also, no way I am introducing a global log check time variable. Is it just me that finds this way too messy? I'd rather push for a Heroku/Scrolls-style logger by default in Rails.