The number of blocks reserved for root should be reconsidered

[Vesa Paatero]

Hello,

When Ubuntu installers create disk partitions, they reserve the default 
5% of blocks for root-only use. For nowadays hard disks, however, that 
percentage can make dozens of gigabytes, which seems much more than the 
necessary/reasonable amount for that purpose.

People can change the reserved size afterwards by using tune2fs if they 
know that such a reservation takes place... but since Ubuntu is aiming 
to be easy-to-use distro, particularly suited for those who don't know 
the stuff "under the hood", it would be best if the installer set the 
optimal size of the root-only reservation automatically.

So, how about if some people with a good idea of the disk usage of the 
basic system services decide what the right amount to be reserved (as a 
function of disk space?) is and then someone who knows the installation 
scripts could make the necessary changes there?

Should I add an entry about this into some database.. the bug database, 
the brainstorm system or what others there are?

Thanks for considering it,
Vesa