I'm seeing an increase in user apps being coded/ported, although they may or may not be reported on AO. Lunapaint and AmigGG are good examples of code in 06. I can count about four critical projects (atleast IMO, YMMV) that are being pushed ahead of user apps. Currently most of those are either in developement or awaiting developer to open a block of free time for the project. After they are completed, your going to be seeing a strong push on making things nicer for the users.
Let's say I'll believe it when I see it. Lunapaint and AmiGG are all very nice, but hardly enough to motivate anyone in booting up AROS when you need to get things done.
Of course, the more developers that come aboard, the faster things can improve for AROS. Being a community based OS, it's a two way street between devs and end users. There is no pretty package you can go down to the corner store to buy. You want AROS, either roll up your sleeve or open that wallet like so many of us have over the years.
Well, from a personal PoV you are still to persuade me that AROS has a future and is therefore worth me investing either time or money in. I have no confidence in the way it has been progressing thus far.
However, if for example BBRV really wanted to help he could buy out the MorphOS source and donate it to AROS under the AROS licence or whatever. Now that would be something really worthwhile. Instead, someone who might have been working on applications may now well switch to porting AROS to Efika because it pays better, the overall result being that in effect AROS stagnates.