Fixing evolution system modal prompting in 3.6.1

[Stef Walter <stefw gnome org>]

I've been working on this problem:

evolution-data-server uses the keyring prompting facility to show system 
modal password prompts from its DBus service. Between prompts (but 
without hiding them) evolution connects to the (eg: IMAP) server and 
checks that the password is valid.

This creates a problem for the user because while connecting to a 
server, the user cannot do anything with the system, and also cannot 
cancel (the otherwise inactive) prompt.

The question is how to fix this for 3.6. I have patches, but they're 
invasive.

In 3.8 I would like to help evolution-data-server fix password prompting 
so its not system modal, especially when these prompts are not in 
response to a user initiated action. In addition I have added a way to 
cancel inactive (ie: 'checking' state) prompts.

But for 3.6 we have two choices:

1. Merge a new facility to allow cancellation of inactive (ie:
   'checking' state) keyring prompts. This requires at least 9
   patches:

   gcr: https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=678611

   gnome-shell: https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=684438

   evolution: a not yet written patch to listen for prompt closure
        and do g_cancellable_cancel() for the cancellable passed
        into the server password checking code.

   This is a large change, and I'm uncomfortable merging it in the
   stable gnome-3-6 branch. I would defer to the release team if
   this is the only way forward, however.

2. Have evolution hide the prompts while it's connecting to its
   (eg: IMAP) server and checking the password. This means 1 patch:

   evolution: https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=684433

   This approach was rejected by the evolution developers. However
   I would request reconsideration of this. Perhaps it could be
   committed to the gnome-3-6 branch as a work around?

Cheers,

Stef