Editing Main Page featured article protection/re-write (section)

===Against protection===
# A featured article should represent Wikipedia's unique qualities on the Internet. This includes being editable by anyone.<ref>[[Wikipedia]]'s slogan describes it as 'the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit'.</ref> 'Ability of anyone to edit articles without registering' is the number two [[m:Foundation issues|foundation issue]] behind [[WP:NPOV|NPOV]] and is also part of Wikipedia's [[WP:5P|Five pillars]].
# Protection is distrusting of new and anonymous editors, and goes against the spirit of [[WP:AGF|assuming good faith]], a fundamental principle.
# Visitors often tend to look at our most visible articles, and having those articles editable helps attract more editors to the article and to the project. The Main Page featured article may drive new account creation.<ref>A typical example: {{User|ChrisWallis}} on [[Jupiter]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Planetary_habitability&diff=36422474&oldid=36421566 Here] is a good-faith anon addition from someone who later started an account {{user|Exiled from GROGGS}}</ref> New editors may be more likely to engage the encyclopedia in general by starting an account, when they realize the open-editing character of Wikipedia. Edits to TFA may also be a highlight of a new user's early experience and encourage them to make further contributions.
# According to the [[Wikipedia:Protection policy|protection policy]], protection is not to be used "as a preemptive measure against vandalism before any vandalism has occurred." To protect Today's Featured Article as a matter of course would clearly contradict this.
# Some featured articles may be improved by their time on the Main Page.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplodocus&diff=133743735&oldid=133533418 Before and after comparison] of [[Diplodocus]]: Today's featured article on [[26 May]] [[2007]].</ref> Anonymous editors, like others, are capable of making worthwhile additions to articles.<ref>There were 4 beneficial edits out of 59 total edits by new users and IPs on the article Diplodocus during its stay on the Main Page:
[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplodocus&diff=next&oldid=133616177]
[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplodocus&diff=next&oldid=133629291]
[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplodocus&diff=next&oldid=133645900]
[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplodocus&diff=next&oldid=133728796]</ref> Protecting the featured articles might postpone or even prevent these improvements.