I am hearing some participants bitching about the route Microsoft is heading with RSS. The key that I think is important is they are releasing the spec as Creative Commons and will be allowing software vendors to integrate with their API. This initiative goes beyond podcasting it includes audio, video, pictures you name it.
This is going to be great for listeners and users who get that deer in the headlights look anytime they encounter RSS.. See more details over on Robert Scoble site and Microsoft is saying the API information is available on their website. See this Video Intewrview