fwiw, this appears to be intentional. --create support was added upstream in 2.9.5. The diff between the relevant SVN revisions of the time includes:
# Now Run the Editor; always run if doing "closes" to give a chance to check -if (! $TEXT or @closes_text) { +if (! $TEXT or @closes_text or $opt_create) { -- dch --create always launches editor https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/220733 You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs