Default theme used invalid atttribute

[esmi]

The default theme shipped with 2.8 is invalid due to the inclusion of the 'role' attribute within multiple templates. This attribute is specific to HTML5 and, as such, should not be incorporated in an XHTML1 theme.

Whilst this invalid markup does not create any known display or performance issues, it is causing problems for users who are trying to validate their sites. It may also be indirectly creating issues within 3rd party themes where theme authors have used the default theme as a template/standard.

[sivel]

This functionality was added on purpose with the knowledge that it was invalid XHMTL 1.0. It was decided that adding support for accessibility was more important than maintaining XHTML 1.0 validation. See #9408.

Closing as wontfix.

[esmi]

Adding "accessibility features" based on theory, or purely to tick boxes, is inherently dangerous. Role support in AT is currently patchy, at best. I'd be curious to know exactly what pan-disabilty user testing was carried out prior to this decision.