When I installed this debian system, many years ago it must be said, I was given the OPTION of using shadow passwords if I wished to do so, at the time (and mostly presently) I wished not to do so, for my own reasons. If Debian still gives that as an OPTION then packages shouldn't really expect that OPTION being chosen, unless there is a way that packages can specify a dependancy on shadow passwords so that they won't even attempt to install without them, then I think that Debian packages must not simply break when people do not pick the OPTION in the install process.that would be one thing; but I don't see any reason why Debian should be expected to support passwd-only systems.
Of course, as I say, it's been a long time since I've done a debian install, so maybe shadow is no longer optional but a requirement. In that case, fine.
