[texhax] Why is \rm deprecated?

[Jim Diamond]

On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 19:49 (-0400), Michael Barr wrote:

> The fact that it is is clear.  I would like to know why it is deprecated.
<snip>

> In a similar vein, why is it recommended to use \(...\) for equations and \[...\] for displays?

<snip>

> As far as I am concerned, undefining a kernel function can be
> described only as vandalism.  And getting rid of \rm and similar
> procedures would be nearly as bad.  Maybe I would finally have to
> learn Word (just kidding).

<snip>

Just drink the nice purple koolaid from the LaTeX people and it will
be all better ;-)

                                Jim

P.S. On my list of things to do is to learn ConTeXT.  Somehow it
doesn't seem anywhere near as cultish as LaTeX.