Simon Josefsson <jas@extundo.com> writes:

> kai.grossjohann@gmx.net (Kai Großjohann) writes:
>
>> Simon Josefsson <jas@extundo.com> writes:
>>
>>> It also makes it possible to express "use the same face for this, that
>>> and this" and then later be able to change the face only once to
>>> change it in all places.
>>
>> But that's possible with regular faces already?  Just use the same
>> symbol (face name) in all those places?
>
> You mean changing gnus source?  I meant for users.

I think it's harder to understand for users.  It's confusing to have
two customization options with the same name (and very similar
purpose).

>>> And it simplifies font-lock stuff, compare
>>> gnus-server-font-lock-keywords.
>>
>> I looked at it.  It looks simple.  But I can't see how variables made
>> it simpler.
>
> font-lock-keywords uses face names, not faces.  Compare
> info://Elisp/Faces%20for%20Font%20Lock

I don't see your point.  This just means that you need to quote the
name of the face -- I thinks that's a lot simpler than an extra layer
of indirection.  E.g.