> the package I've contributed includes the mandatory per-user function help (each with runnable code examples), plus a 10+ page vignette discussing common usage, implemented inference algorithms, and parameter setting suggestions
That already puts this package at the 99.7th percentile, I'd guess, in level of documentation among open-source projects. x0x0 does not have a bad attitude. A bit of anger born of frustration, okay, but open source developers with bad attitudes do not write documentation at all.
And to answer your question, the primary purpose of the IRC channel and mailing list is to let the users support one another. Only when a question arises that even expert users don't know does the developer need to step in.
If you're willing to pay for support, an email to that effect would probably be welcome. Otherwise, you're already getting more than you paid for.
I sometimes have success on those IRC channels by asking the regulars what other resource or how-to would they use to solve my problem. This is an easy answer for them to give, and doesn't require them getting personally involved in my problem. A page full of search results might all look relevant to a newbie, but an experienced user's recommendation is more likely to hit the mark.
Climb off your high horse and put away the moral outrage, please. I am not your enemy.
Your edit only continues to speak to the bad attitude I mentioned earlier.