"First, I wouldn't blame Peter Gannon"
blame is a big word. It is his company. If he decides that BIAB should become a cooking assistant software, that would be his rightful decision. But it's (hopefully) a democracy here, so I think it's OK to question / discuss made choices.

I believe it's good practice to get general idea of what user base craves, especially when there are outstanding known issues from time ago that some hoped would get a prioritized attention. I just didn't see big following on this particular feature among forumers.

Splitter or stem splitting on the other hand was discussed often. I have no use for both, but at least that one had interest and following.

Yes, I think you are correct and both items are internet dependent. Again, my take is mainly consists of making internet dependent features optional on install. Especially 3rd party ones.

What I have said about more complex AI assisted generated database indexing for PGM content (for search, sort, reference, etc.) that could be localized... I am not a coder, but I would guestimate size of 100-200mb stored locally, perhaps even smaller.