As a matter of process, I'm confused about the handling of this appeal.
It sounds like Phil appealed the approval of RFC 7049.
That, I hope, was a decision made by the IESG, not a decision made by
one AD.
So, I'm failing to understand how it makes sense for you to respond to
this appeal as an AD.
Phill took the first step of addressing his complaint to the
responsible AD (me). This is my response. If he or someone else
should choose to pursue a further appeal, the next step would be to
take it to the IESG by way of the Chair.
Barry