I’d say we use both. Lexel’s approach is narrower and more foolproof, mine is more universal and allows for more freedom in the board design. And it’s not USB and Firewire, we’re plug-compatible, so we’re really not far apart.
Lexel had asked more or less the same in the BLF SRK thread, see my more detailled answer there.
Just to summon it up:
I can’t commit to a common standard because I will not use a single standard even on all of my own boards.
I tried different approaches and I saw that I want to keep the freedom to use the best programming pattern for each driver. That’s why I chose a flexible approach, and shared the progkey to use it. I simply share what I use myself. Anyone who wants to use it, can freely do so.
This 4+4 progkey allows for much creativity, it’s universal, small, dirt cheap and easy to build.
Those who use Lexel’s drivers can use his key. That’s perfect. And I really suggest they do, because that way it’s foolproof!
And the small handful of hardcore DIYers that really build my boards: for 4 bucks and change you get 3 progkey PCBs and 100 pogo pins and you’re good to go.