From: Phlip <phlip2005@...>
Date: 2009-01-05T07:33:57+09:00
Subject: Re: Trying to make modifications to a gem...

>> Do I have to re-package it as a gem and reinstall the gem every time I
>> make a change ?
> 
> In my opinion  it's up to the author to package the gem. Also you are  
> not
> allowed to upload the package so it's up to the author.

Monkey patch the gem. Happens all the time.

And put unit tests on your patch, and other gem qualities, so when you upgrade 
it you might get an early warning if your patch broke.

And submit the patch to the gem author!