> Is there a place that explains the differences in functionality > between the core and the forms plugin? > > I came across a 2006 thread where so many people supported adding the > functionality to the core that I just assumed it happened.
You're right, a good portion of the Form Plugin's functionality moved into core. Specifically, the serialization capabilities. But the core lib doesn't provide the capability your asked about - detecting the submitting element and adding it to the request data. Basically, the core can handle all of your serialization needs. But if you want a simple way to bind submit events and have forms auto-ajaxified then the Form Plugin steps in to fill that role, and offers numerous options as well.
