While I understand where the skepticism comes from, I think it's overly pessimistic to think nothing's changed since your time in the government, or that Recordon won't be able to enact positive change.
I've been really impressed with the quality of talent that USDS and 18F have been drawing, and with the quality of their output. While I'm sure there's still more friction than you'd see at a super-tiny private sector startup, I think everyone's aware that software/IT delievery needs to radically change, and there's a lot of smart, driven people who seem to be helping enact that change.
Full disclosure, I left in 2014. I watched the healthcare.gov debacle from inside the fence. I was told "no" on a daily basis because I had the audacity to hope and dream. I really do wish the absolute best for this pioneer. I hope I'm completely wrong and people LISTEN to his advisement.
I've been really impressed with the quality of talent that USDS and 18F have been drawing, and with the quality of their output. While I'm sure there's still more friction than you'd see at a super-tiny private sector startup, I think everyone's aware that software/IT delievery needs to radically change, and there's a lot of smart, driven people who seem to be helping enact that change.