Why minor is still 8 bit?

[George Shuklin]

I've understand that major and minor numbers for device is 8-bit size.

I've don't understand, WHY? In 2012!

(I've just have some discussion about 8-bit counter limitations in 
context of cloud computing. In middle of 2012!!!!)

But seriously, I've done some googling but found no answer why it still 
just 8 bit size. Is this some serious backward compatibility? Or just 
there is no one with itch strong  enough?
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