Long time Mac user here. When my iMac dies I'm going to a PC and Ubuntu. iTunes 8 is either the most cynical app Mac has ever created or the most rushed.
I don't need my computer to be subservient to my phone or my dmp. This app is the most Microsoft-evil, not giving a hoot for the customer app ever created (outside of Microsoft of course)
The look of the app has been destroyed. In a draconian move your files must now be named in the "proper" fashion to make it easier to spam you with the old genius bar. No more letting iTunes manage your library the way you wanted it managed.
Adios Apple

AAC and flac
High end stuff to appreciatie lo-fi rockabilly

That's a bit short sighted. The major reason for copy protection isn't so much the hackers etc but the pirates whop churn out hundreds of thousands of the $20 discs often well enough to get their boot leg product into reputable retailers.
Unfortuately the zealousness of the MPAA to protect their already over priced product equates to an inferior product being sold to the consumer.
The comment about curing cancer is beyond acceptable. Not only do you in a swoop slander suffers of the disease you beggar the question what have YOU done to cure the disease?

How anyone can say a new untested product is "better" is kind of brain numbing.
This doesn't play acc. wma is horrific sounding in my opinion and most serious listening tests.
I don't want an wma or wmv player.

Sputnik - Apple does not own AAC - Dolby does, I believe. What Apple owns is the method of DRM and that only applies if you buy music via iTunes Music Store.
As to the bizzare comment trying to make MicroSoft appear altruistic . . .freedom of choice??? MS??

You forget that the head of Sony is British and, no doubt, approved the campaign.

You can still play iTunes store tunes in iTunes which is free software.
You can convert mp4's to mp3's. Mp4's are made with aac, a superior codec by near unanimous standards.
WMA's will play only on wma approved equipment. Mp3's require a fee paid to the lab that patented it. A fee passed on to the consumer.
How is forcing a company to extend their patents fair to the consumer? It seems not to benefit the consumer but to benefit iRiver, Dolby, Creative.