[OSM-dev] Simplifying ways

[BG]

> This depends a lot on the use case. There is a JOSM-Plugin called
> "SimplifyArea" that combines 3 methods to simplify a way (distance,
> angle and area). It doesn't use Douglas Peucker.

So i can use "SimplifyArea" for ways, not only for polygons? (I kinda 
doubt it) If that is true, i would give it a chance.
But Description says "simplify area" - so i am little bit confused.