Hello rskedgell,  I appreciate the feedback. Our team has updated our guidelines for this region to account for both of these issues.

In regards to the sidewalk=* vs sidewalk:both/left/right=*, in other areas we have preferred to use the sidewalk:both/left/right=* format because it allows us to be a bit more specific, especially when the sidewalks are mapped separately. It is not a suggestion from rapID editor, just our efforts to be consistent with our tagging schemes. We realize now that the local community here prefers sidewalk=* and the team has been given guidance to avoid changing them going forward.