ability to use ICMP Echo for Netpath services

I understand that ICMP isn't the intended function and using a specific port is how it is supposed to work but what's wrong with giving the option? I don't think anyone is saying to change the feature to ONLY use ICMP but the "nay" responses are almost worded as such (even though I don't think they mean it that way). The questions keeps getting asked of "Why?" but I would turn it around and say "Why not?". Again, choice isn't a bad thing and most people will still use NetPath with it's intended function but sometimes we just want a pretty traceroute. Even a little notice saying that actual data, TCP, etc. won't necessarily follow the same path could be added just so the user/admin is aware.

I understand that ICMP isn't the intended function and using a specific port is how it is supposed to work but what's wrong with giving the option? I don't think anyone is saying to change the feature to ONLY use ICMP but the "nay" responses are almost worded as such (even though I don't think they mean it that way). The questions keeps getting asked of "Why?" but I would turn it around and say "Why not?". Again, choice isn't a bad thing and most people will still use NetPath with it's intended function but sometimes we just want a pretty traceroute. Even a little notice saying that actual data, TCP, etc. won't necessarily follow the same path could be added just so the user/admin is aware.

Yeah I don't understand how anyone would cast a nay vote.  It just doesn't make any logical sense.  Information is information and can be useful in situations we aren't even aware of yet.  There is current situation I have where I suspect ICMP might be de-prioritized by a provider in Uruguay, the only way to verify that in my case is to compare a port 179 Net Path to an ICMP one.  If port 179 has no loss but ICMP does at the same hop, that clues me in that ICMP is indeed being de-prioritized.  Information is information is information.  To say nay on an additional and very useful feature is self limiting to say the least.