Yes this issue has been so so so neglected. VLC is an excellent media player in so many ways and yet something like this can really become an achilles heel.
I hate distortion but like to actually be able to hear things too. There is a vast array of recorded material and not all of it is recorded at maximised levels. So being able to push the level beyond the 100% is a pretty useful feature. However it is useful to know where the 100% mark is and yes a notch at that point (where it 'sticks' or magnetises) would be so so so so so so useful here.
When I am playing music (which generally is recorded and mastered at 'optimum' levels) I like to know that the digital signal is not being amplified beyond the point it was intended to be before the D to A conversion stage.
As mentioned, not all sound is recorded at optimum levels so being able to 'push it further' (when needed) is almost an essential feature of a modern media player. It actually makes me sad that this feature has been neglected for so long. I feel like organising a campaign group but I can't be bothered. Anyway its cold outside at this time of the year in the UK but next summer maybe (weather permitting of course).
I'm gonna cry