I've been listening and avoiding replies. Mostly because Matt and others have shown wisdom and charitable spirit, in their observations. And its not my problem any more.

However...
Starting as a layman and congregational leader, for over fifteen years of working through the challenges represented by alternate route contexts and solutions in LCMS, including working conversations with those involved many years before that, I have gathered some insight.
First there is data. There has been data for decades, along the way and as changes evolved. Many of the adjustments, Lay Minister, DELTO, Deacon were made based in those experiences. There was significant research, data and experience, well done studies. theological, historical and practical, with analysis,... this for the pending resolutions presented and tabled at last convention. The data is not missing. Communication of the data, understandings, and consensus of informed decision was what was missing. This "data" was from servants, engaged ministerium, District leadership, Synod leaders and Seminaries. The climate of the convention seems to have forced tabling the question well researched with real data. I found it very disappointing, although not totally unexpected, even though I was no longer engaged in LCMS.
You really did have the answers and a working response at convention. You knew exactly how many deacons were doing exactly what and why, with data for DELTO et al.
I saw the data presented from the COP by representatives of the Seminary.
I can probably dig up a copy in a drawer somewhere. There were reports (at least from our and other districts) that summarized every individual deacon's, alt. path's, servant's work and history. Resolutions were written in consensus built from that data.
One of the problems is that the contexts of these responses are not well understood by those not engaged in them, and a reluctance to trust those who have been proven faithful for decades, in those contexts, when they offer wise opinions in submission to the church at large as God shall guide her. Matt is a simple godly man, who knows the seminary, and the alternate work of his father. But he is after all "just a student," and will not step beyond his place and position here .... still, I'd talk to him, ... and listen to him ... but that's just me. ... and all I have done is listen to Seminary representatives and profs, DP's, high ranking Synod officials, pastors and DElicarspinisterdeao servants and the people in the places they serve. As I always say, "Come and see." ... if you come I can take you to sit with some of those people, but all you really have to do is listen to Matt et al.
No longer have a hand in the game, so the comments are just for what it is worth.
TV