.... Given the high and immediate contention over changing root's
password from /bin/csh to /bin/sh, i've taken the liberty of changing
things back to the status quo ante.  

I think the appropriate thing is to discuss the change, reach a
suitable consensus, and then implement it. I hope neither side of this
episode -- not the un-discussed change, nor my taking the liberty of
undoing the change, prejudices the outcome.

The important thing is (imho) to discuss what's obviously a
contentious issue before making a decision on it.
I hope thats okay with everyone.