Development has not stopped since the server first opened.
'On a whim' is an unfair description of what modifying anything about charm would entail. Actually, the overwhelming majority of code changes are not simple. That is why game mechanics receive fewer modifications, and less often.
There are still open bug reports dating back 10 years of unresolved issues because specific, necessary details haven't been found in research or testing. Does that mean they won't ever change? Nope.
This hasn't changed though. From what it looks like, it should.
Since I've already typed some paragraphs, I will elaborate.
When there is a game mechanics issue, there are processes that need to be done prior to changing anything whatsoever. How does it currently function? How should it function? Is there evidence how it should function?
At this point, someone needs to sign up to code for hours or days to achieve the goal. They construct a rough idea of interpolation of desired effects based on existing data. Testing, testing, testing. Do the test results align with the goal? Refine, retest, retest, etc. Do the results of the change(s) adhere to the original goal?
If yes, respond to an existing bug thread and/or post a patch note. If no, scrap the idea, no one knows anything even happened, and the aforementioned perception of stability remains intact.
Here are some details outlined by Torven in an eqemulator thread if anyone cares:
http://www.eqemulator.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43370