[wp-hackers] compression and caching

[Micah]

>> But it made me wonder why compression and caching isn't included in the
> core.
>
> These require a well-configured server, hence why WordPress leaves it to a
> combination of plugins and, frankly, a well-configured server.

I could see this argument stand if compression was ongoing, on the fly, or 
in large amounts. Compression doesn't and shouldn't happen continuously, and 
cached files are stored and served up as needed. In theory, compression 
actually saves CPU load, reduces http/php request sizes and would save 
bandwidth handled by a server.