Yes Pete, I am afraid I agree with your observation, especially as this pull event is a one off when you join.
I was going to post, might as well do so now the thought that most only come here to ask about problems and then are never heard from again. Personally I think that is very short sighted apart from being rather self centred.
I have found by being a contributer here that I have learnt as much probably more than assistance I have been able to offer. Learn by your own and others mistakes, why repeat them especially when they can cost a lot of money as well as time.
So if members only look when in trouble then votes are going to be slow and low, despite this I still support the need for notification whole heartedly.
Addressing Auctiva's guys and gals we do support and defend you (e.g. the recent defence by Taz above) as well as being a pain in the backside at times