I did not take it from the official git with fetch. I took each release and created my github repo. In recent times I manually extract the files from the official git / hg repo (which ever is current) and then test them in batches when I have the time and then merge it into my repo manually. This method was initially chosen to help in migrating from one version to another. I had published the widely used OpenVZ template publicly till v2.2.11 and many users needed to migrate to the current version.
Changes are generally few and far between except when a release happens.
There may be one or more private extension repos where only "encapsulated" code gets into the FA deployment - a conscious decision on the part of the devs. This way they have control of the community and the code and possibly helps support the development and makes sure the community does not get sidetracked / splintered / misguided.
Furthermore, the devs recommend that all contributions go to their designated email address and not into this forum. This may have something to do with legalese and/or premium deliverables in support of the project.
The end result is that we get to have cool working code well preserved and developed over several years - can't complain at all!
My github repo was made so as to enable the community to
develop extensions on their own and
fix / enhance existing ones and
also to have their own locally hosted extension repos.