@imsnif@ellie I might not have the same perspective since I newly became a maintainer of a project used by many (Rustlings). But the comments you both posted are normal communication comments for me (except the "deal breaker" one, it communicates frustration, but it is too harsh). Unless they are spammed, I would give a short answer and move on.
e.g. answer "I am focusing on releasing x now and would get back to this afterwards. My estimate is about 2 weeks"