Better
This is better, as I was saying. It's nice to see Python catching on in my home state's GIS department, and also to see ESRI users catching on to the power of more idiomatic Python. It's more than just an open source Avenue, after all.
Speaking of better Python things, yesterday I found out about Tarek Ziade's Atomisator project. It's the kind of framework for feed processing that is entirely lacking in my Mush application. A comment on his entry then led me to TOPP's Melkjug, which has a slick web UI for creating feed filters that is also not to be had from Mush. I think I'll borrow liberally from each, and maybe Mush can provide some geographic processing and filtering inspiration in return.