Why can't people release packages for examining local copies of the blockchain?
"People." Why don't you write one instead of just criticizing theirs from the sideline?
It takes a lot more skill and capability to be a creator than a consumer. I would like someone to make a movie about two time travelers who chase each other through time like a car chase. However I have zero filmmaking skill and I don't really know how to even start such a thing. My skills are best applied elsewhere, that doesn't mean I can't cross my fingers and hope that a talented filmmaker makes that movie.
Maybe because he is to busy. Or maybe because of a 100 different other reasons. Whatever his excuse, the fact that someone could be to busy to implement some software doesn't mean they can't critique something they don't like, or suggest ideas for things they do.
Because nobody wants to store and maintain a local copy of the blockchain. Simple as that. That's why I use blockchain.info for everything and not bitcoind.
You really, really don't want to be doing that. Use a proper SPV client.
Works fine for me right now. When someone creates a competitor to BCI that provides SPV proofs in an API, I'll be the first to include fully validating support into pybitcointools. Until then, sorry, convenience and zero loading time (yes, even SPV clients are not instant) win out.