I don't know that files are broken. Our brains are trained to "select" things: from the correct answer on a test, to the right phrase to say on your significan

I don't know that files are broken. Our brains are trained to "select" things: from the correct answer on a test, to the right phrase to say on your significant other's birthday. Limiting user exposure from little bundles of portable information to hidden databases is exactly what MS did with the registery. It's all well and good until you realize that sometimes it's nice for data to be a little more accessible and visible "Apps" that lock in data, like all sorts of old-school applications that stored your files in hidden folders, fail. They're closed. They're a black box that you can't easily leave when you'd like to move on to another application. Hiding data in closed databases is not only counterintuitive (it's like hiding the mustard in the back of the fridge in your analogy, and chaining it to the door), it's harmful should you ever want to buy a new fridge.