Wouldn't the version problem vanish if they had a separate version number for extensions?
E.g.: (using abi for simplicity; pretend it's api if it makes you feel better)
Extensions compatible with ext abi version 1 work with Firefox versions > 4 and <= 6
Likewise, ext abi version 2 work with Firefox version > 6 <= 7
Because it's the browser that will keep track of which abi version works with itself, the burden is lifted from the extension somewhat. They'll still have to make changes when there's a new extension abi break, but for multiple browser versions they otherwise don't have to change anything.
E.g.: (using abi for simplicity; pretend it's api if it makes you feel better)
Extensions compatible with ext abi version 1 work with Firefox versions > 4 and <= 6
Likewise, ext abi version 2 work with Firefox version > 6 <= 7
Because it's the browser that will keep track of which abi version works with itself, the burden is lifted from the extension somewhat. They'll still have to make changes when there's a new extension abi break, but for multiple browser versions they otherwise don't have to change anything.
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