Additionally I think the main point is that the OSM Editor software (JOSM / Potlatch2) should automatically fill in the role when creating common relations (e.g. for turn restrictions or a multi-polygon). 'power' users can edit/set this value should they think it is necessary. E.g. in creating new kinds of relations not supported by editor presets or for fixing previously created but incorrect values. In much the same way as you can use [any tag](http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Any_tags_you_like) the value of the role can be anything. Some values for roles depends on the type of relation as noted in these wiki pages for common usage: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:boundary http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:restriction http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:waterway One can always leave it blank if you feel adding a value brings little or no benefit.

Additionally I think the main point is that the OSM Editor software (JOSM / Potlatch2) should automatically fill in the role when creating relations (e.g. for turn restrictions or a multi-polygon). 'power' users can edit/set this value should they think it is necessary. E.g. in creating new kinds of relations not supported by editor presets or for fixing previously created but incorrect values. In much the same way as you can use [any tag](http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Any_tags_you_like) the value of the role can be anything. Some values for roles depends on the type of relation as noted in these wiki pages for common usage: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:boundary http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:restriction http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Relation:waterway One can always leave it blank if you feel adding a value brings little or no benefit.