Stalebot (the popular one on GH) has exemptions which are configurable - branch, author, label, commenter, and probably more. AKA owner/maintainer can do as lit

Stalebot (the popular one on GH) has exemptions which are configurable - branch, author, label, commenter, and probably more. AKA owner/maintainer can do as little as drop a label or even just a reply on an issue and it won't be pruned.