We've reached a point where we think we have an idea of the basic issues. Several posters here have scientist, engineer, manufacturer, and coder levels of understanding of specific issues.
We know Apple are aware of the issues but not saying anything. Also, that any cost to solve the problem is likely less than the increased profit they’d get from solving it. Intel is aware, they engaged with the community, and couldn’t understand it.
We know the technology issues that cause problems in the sufferer vary from person to person (patient variability). We know the technology issues can be caused in many different places – VBIOS, OS, driver, app, data interface technology (HDMI etc.), and display side issues (problem location). We know several issues can occur at the same time (e.g. fuzzy fonts, dithering, PWM, etc.) (number of problems, problems caused by combinations of issues).
We know progress has been made easily on the display side. PWM and low blue light monitors have been around for many years. Equally the solution of the problems described above are far more complex than the solutions required for PWM and blue light.
Some claims (may or may not be true):
1) There is little point as a community in solving an issue in one area if it is likely to re-appear somewhere else.
2) There are very many stakeholders in technology who could independently create problems for us.
3) We cannot get all the stakeholders to talk to each other. I’m not just talking Apple, Intel, but also component parts manufacturers, standards holders (e.g. USB, HDMI, TUV), and more.
4) We cannot get consistent positive tests for stakeholders to act on. How can they know what parts of the iPhone 8 are safe and what parts of the iPhone Xs are, when sufferers have contradictory responses to the different phones?
5) We may need a basic image output for everyone to be comfortable. I don’t mean a simple image output – HDR10, 8K, 240 HZ may all be within such a basic output provided other criteria are met. Windows XP was basic, W10 isn't, even if they're showing the same video clip.
6) If TUV, Intel, or similar had a set of standards for outputs that resulted in consistent responses from sufferers, then they would have a baseline for investigating the safety and comfort of other technology issues.
7) Stakeholders could then develop their own standard to be referenced by all members of the supply chain (physical goods and coding of any kind)
8) We may want to suggest multiple sub standards for different uses (video editing vs MS Word) or technologies (AMOLED, IPS, VGA, etc.)
9) Such a standard if implemented would allow a user to switch between any hardware/software combo that supported it. Once and forever, regardless of updates.
10) Companies historically like being involved in the drafting of such standards as it gives them power.
11) Web safe colours and fonts may be a good standard (are there others in other areas?) to copy from.
I think 4), 5), and 6) put together are a large part of why OEMs struggle.
Why is this promoting an interim standard a good or bad idea?
Why wouldn't this work? How much of it could work?
What would it take? - Could we at least get it started before someone takes it on as a funded project?
What would such a standard look like written down? What actually would be in it?
Who would take it on? (TUV, Intel, who else? )
If not this, what might work instead?