Pull request
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/2905 proposes to remove "getwork" RPC from bitcoind:
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/GetworkOn mainnet, almost everybody uses a pool (and therefore, not "getwork" directly to bitcoind). Those few who solo mine use a pool server to talk to bitcoind via "getblocktemplate" or other means. Tests show that attempts to solo mine on mainnet via "getwork" lead to delays and problems.
On testnet, getwork has a better chance of continuing to work. Nevertheless, the same tools (open source pool servers or p2pool) are available for testnet, obviating the continued need to support getwork.
However,
at one time, getwork to bitcoind was widely used. I wanted to poke the audience, to gauge response to removing "getwork." If a driving use case remains of which we're unaware, speak up, please. We don't want to break anybody needlessly.