dialogClass option deprecated -- please don't!

dialogClass option deprecated -- please don't!

The Dialog API for "dialogClass" says:

dialogClass 

The specified class name(s) will be added to the dialog, for additional theming.

The dialogClass option has been deprecated in favor of the classes option, using the ui-dialog property.

(version deprecated: 1.12)
I want to be able identify elements of a particular dialog, so I can modify their -- and only their -- styles.  I don't see how the "classes" option allows me to do this, while assigning a custom class to a particular dialog works as I want.

Please don't eliminate this option! (or please explain how to accomplish what I want with "classes").

Also, if someone could clue me in to submitting or commenting on a ticket -- #12164 in this case -- I would much appreciate it.

Thanks,

--Dan