Actually I've been following namespaces for a fair while, but the issue of :: being a problem wasn't really raised until a few weeks ago.
I realize this isn't a terribly constructive comment as it doesn't solve any problems, but I hope it's constructive in the way that it actually causes people to do as Derick said and go get a coffee instead of whining about syntax... AGAIN.
The issue of :: being a problem (causes ambiguity) was part of the ORIGINAL namespace discussion that took place 3 years ago. Some of us have been dealing with people complaining about this for 3 years (I blogged about ::: and \ in 2005), and I'm very happy we've finally come to a resolution. If the core developers chose another operator, then DIFFERENT people would be whining, so it's lose-lose.
Now, sit back, relax, trust that the developers who chose this actually have half a clue, and stop crying wolf—all of you.
S