The best idea from the article is the recommendation of an official unit test suite. I'd love it if every group that builds an API or protocol spec were required to include a unit test suite for the defined behavior prior to finalization of the spec. It would not only make implementations easier but more importantly result in the spec writers running into some of the design problems they tend to miss.
I think this is similar to what happens in the Java Community Process with TCKs.
"One of the three required pieces for each JSR is the Technology Compatibility Kit (TCK). A TCK is a suite of tests, tools and documentation that determines whether or not a product complies with a particular Java™ technology specification. A TCK must be included in a final Java technology release under the direction of its Expert Group."
