[Bug 1583331] [NEW] Change to lsb package in 16.04+ breaks backwards compatibility

[Patrick Then]

Public bug reported:

Since Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus, lsb has been changed (removed?
numbering scheme altered?) in such a way that installation of various
software becomes impossible due to missing dependencies.

Most prominently it has become impossible to install the Linux driver packages for Epson printers (available from Epson).
While the repositories contain a package (escpr) for epson printer drivers, this package provides only limited functionality (indicated by the r suffix in the package), which in some cases prevents any reasonable work with Epson printers (e.g. no support for duplex printing, additional paper cartridges, etc.).
In my case, a Stylus Office BX925 (compatible to Workforce 840) can't be used with Ubuntu anymore, except for the most simple printing tasks.

This issue affects the drivers and utilities for other printer brands as
well.

Further affected software seems to be e.g. Google Earth.

While it's reasonable to assume that Google Earth will be eventually
updated, there's no such guarantee for affected printer
drivers/utilities, given the notoriously bad official Linux support of
some hardware.

lsb_release -rd
Description:    Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
Release:        16.04

lsb version 9.20160110

** Affects: lsb (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: New

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1583331

Title:
  Change to lsb package in 16.04+ breaks backwards compatibility

Status in lsb package in Ubuntu:
  New

Bug description:
  Since Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus, lsb has been changed (removed?
  numbering scheme altered?) in such a way that installation of various
  software becomes impossible due to missing dependencies.

  Most prominently it has become impossible to install the Linux driver packages for Epson printers (available from Epson).
  While the repositories contain a package (escpr) for epson printer drivers, this package provides only limited functionality (indicated by the r suffix in the package), which in some cases prevents any reasonable work with Epson printers (e.g. no support for duplex printing, additional paper cartridges, etc.).
  In my case, a Stylus Office BX925 (compatible to Workforce 840) can't be used with Ubuntu anymore, except for the most simple printing tasks.

  This issue affects the drivers and utilities for other printer brands
  as well.

  Further affected software seems to be e.g. Google Earth.

  While it's reasonable to assume that Google Earth will be eventually
  updated, there's no such guarantee for affected printer
  drivers/utilities, given the notoriously bad official Linux support of
  some hardware.

  lsb_release -rd
  Description:    Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
  Release:        16.04

  lsb version 9.20160110

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