[R] Inconsistence in specifying action for missing data

[Duncan Murdoch]

John Sorkin wrote:
> A question for R (and perhaps S and SPlus) historians.
> 
> Does anyone know the reason for the inconsistency in the way that the
> action that should be taken when data are missing is specified? There
> are several variants, na.action, na.omit, "T", TRUE,  etc. I know that a
> foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of a small mind, but consistency
> can make things easier.
> 
> My question is not meant as a complaint. I very much admire the R
> development team. I simply am curious.

R and S have been developed by lots of people, over a long time.  I 
think that's it.

Duncan Murdoch