Did some detective work.
1. The idea was originally proposed by a player here:
http://www.shatteredkingdoms.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=20173&p=334147&hilit=doll#p3341472. At about that same time, I made a thread about easy ideas to implement here:
http://www.shatteredkingdoms.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=202623. On the immortal email list, one imm compiled a list of all the things that were said in the second thread, and although I can't find the doll suggestion anywhere in the second thread, it looks like the suggestion got added to that list.
4. In response to that email, I said I already had a list of changes and I would get back when we wanted to make any additional changes based on the list in that email.
5. ? -- Undiscussed change occurred.
6. Today, Wicked Witch mentions that doll is currently a symbol, a change I have no recollection of making. I am pretty certain that I would never have made that change, as I feel strongly the symbol slot should only be used for religions. And also the fact that it was specifically given double stat bonuses because of the inconvenience of using a hand slot.
7. Effective immediately, new dolls will once again only be holdable.