While he's very knowledgeable with web2py, I think John Heenan's criticisms are unfair. From what I understand, it seems most other recognizable Python frameworks employ WGSI. So this problem (if there's a problem), is not unique to web2py. Comparing web2py to Erlang is curious.
I am a newbie, but from what I see around here I don't think Massimo's effort or zeal is a setback as John seems to suggest. I think any project needs at least one person who puts his heart and soul into it. If the issue is Massimo doesn't like or prevents other contributors from taking a leadership role in the development of web2py or its entities (books, slices, etc.?), that's a different story. Is this what John is suggesting? If not, I don't see why Massimo or anyone being a dependable leader of the project is a bad thing. I think it is clear that web2py is not at the level of Linux. It's not at the level of Drupal. It's not even at the level of Django. Probably there's currently no "killer" app developed with web2py yet. I think it's acceptable, at this stage. It would be better to put forward constructive solutions to get more developers/users into web2py.