I wouldn't suggest limiting such a feature to higher level members.

Well, I dont know how clear cut that is. Each scratchpad can represent up to 64k of data. The less users have such a feature the better. Also IMO most folks that would actually take advantage of the feature would be abbot or above. Plus I dont think this feature is particularly essentially to the site and as such I dont feel bad about being a bit elitest about who can use it. But it should be recalled that im just the pmdev god. I have no role nor any intention of playin a role in setting site policy. So if you really hate this idea lobby the other gods that it shouldnt happen. And then it wont. But if it were up to me alone it would. :-)

By 'various permission models', are you saying

Well, im not saying anything in particular. Discussions have occured where the idea of being able to specify readers (not writers) was raised.

However you look at it dont hold your breath over this feature. If it comes itll come. But it isnt a priority for any of the active pmdev members that I know of.