Hey deacon,
This is a great site and forum, I just recently discovered it. It's frustrating to see such a huge worldwide industry like this wallowing around with no standards. I think the manufacturers will continue to act badly until and unless an AV consumer's association (the AVCA? ) is formed and has enough members to force the manufacturers to the table and agree on some standards. Jerry if you feel like jousting that particular windmill I'll be a charter member!
Meanwhile this forum is a great place to vent. I think I'll head over to the software area and start putting together an SACD/DVD-A shopping list.