Theoretically, yes.
But it doesn't always work like that.
Sometimes a single implementation pushes a NIP acceptance (i.e. Zaps or Repost in Damus), sometimes implementation waits till a NIP merge, even months later!! (I.e. NIP-42 Auth).
Discussion
Hm. I think the recent unpleasantness could have been avoided if everyone had seen Vitor’s implementation before NIP-94 was accepted. Will would have objected, and there wouldn’t have been consensus to merge the NIP.
Sometimes implementation is important, yes.
But communication is always more important.
🫂