Calling the codebase a nightmare is the understatement of the year. I tried forking it at some point. I don't think I could reasonably even attempt describe the codebase in a way that wouldn't get me banned from HN, and most likely the rest of the internet.
An article title such as "Popular open source software Calibre has a codebase that isn't just bad, it's outright dangerous" would definitely make me click.
If you feel strongly, please do this. It adds value. The creator might really benefit from it.
How would you feel if someone came out with an article about "echelon's code isn't just bad, it's outright dangerous" and wrote a whole article attacking and shaming you, just because you might benefit from it?
Sure you might benefit, but there are much more constructive, kinder ways to do it. Even if he and his code aren't great, Goyal's done a lot of free public service here. Let's not be dicks.
Needless to say I gave up.