The "Go 1" project was centred around the Go Team. They built what they wanted and needed with little regard for the rest of the world. If they felt loop variable capturing was important, they would have added it. Of course, they didn't find it necessary, so it wasn't added.
When "Go 1" reached its natural stopping point and closed down, the "Go 2" project emerged to continue development of Go under the wants and needs of the community. That capture is being added now because the community has shown a desire to have it. The Go Team may use their expertise to guide the community in the right direction, but we are here because the "Go 2" project is community driven.
The original commenter seems unaware that the project changed hands.
When "Go 1" reached its natural stopping point and closed down, the "Go 2" project emerged to continue development of Go under the wants and needs of the community. That capture is being added now because the community has shown a desire to have it. The Go Team may use their expertise to guide the community in the right direction, but we are here because the "Go 2" project is community driven.
The original commenter seems unaware that the project changed hands.