Texture size limit of 2GB: a bug or feature?

Hi Jeff,
At least it can be explained from a philosophical point of view: we have more computational power that becomes cheaper, so why don’t we use it?
Now we have to get several small tiles and scrupulously align it with each other manually on a complex surface like, to say, giant leopard. Аnd we have to get all the dots on it’s fur without seams.