A new feature that could have some use is the ancestor() feature which returns the nearest common ancestor of all the elements within a jQuery array. Supported on all major browsers (even IE 9) it has a low profile while adding extra functionality (ive) not seen before. It will only return one jQuery element at most, additional elements only broadens the scope at which it will search for the common ancestor.

http://jsfiddle.net/y5tPr/

I'm not sure if jQuery 1.9 is still being supported so haven't included the IE<9 code with it. Also, I believe the namespace may cause some headaches as its a generic term used for parents more than one tier up, so that can be changed without a problem.