texmf/tex//

[K. Berry]

    that the *ability* to change the path be supported.  (or have i

Yes, certainly, people should be able to set whatever path they want.

The question, as far as I know, is whether the TDS should require
implementors to provide a way to simultaneously define one path for one
program (latex-foo) and another path for another program (latex-bar).
I doubt we will get very far with such a requirement.
I'm also not convinced this is necessary or desirable.