31 May
2008
31 May
'08
4:55 p.m.
Yes, another keyword would be necessary. What would that be then? I can't think of anything good. Note that in that case it would also have to be a "hard" keyword that would conflict with identifiers, which means more compatibility concerns.
Besides, I think it's mostly a matter of some getting-used-to. Afterall, the construct is essentially a comma expression except some change of characters.