I have written up a short, math-y description of an algorithmic method
for determining whether or not a given revision constitutes reversion.
There have been some previous suggestions regarding automatically
determining whether something is a revision and using that information
in various ways. In addition, it has recently been suggested to the
arbitrators that one possible remedy in the matter of Wik would be to
restrict his ability to perform reversions.
Please take a look at
http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determining_reversion
for my proposal for defining and algorithmically determining what
constitutes reversion and how to calculate what I call "likelihood of
reversion". I would suggest that for most purposes any edit with a
likelihood of reversion over 90% could be counted as reversion. Please
leave your comments if you have any suggestions, critiques, etc.
- David