Or they could just focus on not having such a stuff world generator and doing more important things instead of making loving XP.
Like holdable torches, you make an adventure update, and no loving holdable torches.
I read on Minecraft Wiki that Notch didn't implement holdable torches because he didn't like how they looked. Therefore, that isn't going to happen. However, as the lantern update hasn't been said canceled, supposedly when those are implemented they can be held.
But yes, they should be working on refining terrain and structure generation instead of all these new systems. I keep whining about how the villages spawn partially underground or too high above it, which just looks stupid. Mineshaft support beams float through ravines. These can't be THAT hard to fix or at least clean up a little... Maybe these fixes will be included in the additions updates?
Edit: http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Lantern Last paragraph talks about how Notch didn't like holding lit torches.